LESGHI Caucasian Antique Rug

This very early Serapi masterwork exemplifies the powerful pattern language that emerged from this tradition. Here a 16-sided grand center medallion, the august forerunner of the square on square medallions used later in the century, encloses a pair of segmented palmettes and other highly stylized, over-scale motifs. Extremely slender tendrils delicately connect a wide variety of deconstructed flower heads floating on the brick red reserve, each attentively drawn and filled with hues from a brilliantly conceived, harmonious palette. Prominent aged ivory corner pieces continue the ambiance of the medallion. A narrow, formal Shah Abbas border supports the regal overall impact of this important example.