FERAHAN SAROUK Antique Persian Rug

Admittedly, we were a little gobsmacked to see this wildly inventive rug from Central Persia, likely commissioned by the aristocracy of the time or was otherwise an intensely personal weaving to its original owner. Where do we begin? The composition of the field is a fantasy gardenscape filled with technicolor trees, splendidly animated blossoming plants, rose garlands, and proud songbirds surrounding a burnt umber vase. Portholes to another world beyond show miniature landscapes, some with interesting architectural embellishments. At the bottom of the field, an arcade adorned with cabbage rose garlands presents bouquets, another view of small buildings, and a lone cypress tree. The border houses a fantastic and lively array of mounted mustachioed swordsmen, leaping hounds, and elusive spotted stags harried by falcons. This piece also exhibits an assortment of rich colors that sparkle like jewels against bright ivory and dark midnight backgrounds. Happily, this atypical Ferahan Sarouk rug is in remarkably preserved condition.