Antique Nahavand Nili Qalat Figures Persian Rug
A viewing is a request, not a booking: we write back within 24 hours to confirm a time, in open hours or out of them. No account needed.
ABOUT THIS PIECE
Handwoven from shiny handspun wool on a durable cotton foundation in the ancient city of Nahavand in western Iran which is a major rug weaving region with a standout reputation.
This carpet incorporates indigo-coloured wool, not only enhancing its visual appeal but also ensuring remarkable durability for decades of use.
Usually, very lustrous wool is used, providing a strong personality to the patterns and design of the carpet. The distinctive rectilinear design of these robust carpets was inspired in part by nomadic rugs. In many cases, a central medallion sets the tone which is decorated with leaf, flower and branch motifs. The Nahavand carpet’s widespread appeal can be attributed to its distinctive colour palette, with the most renowned combination being a subdued red hue set against a dark blue backdrop. Another notable characteristic of Nahavand carpets is their lengthy and dense fringes.
The term Qalat or Naghshe Qalat (Wrong Design) stands for seemingly wrong design in Iranian Carpet designs. Nomadic and rural carpets often lack a fixed and uniform design, as the weaver endeavors to shape the design and colour in an abstract and intuitive manner. Essentially, the weaver acquires the fundamentals of the original designs from their region through apprenticeship with a master worker, typically a close relative. However, during the execution of the design, the weaver allows for personal adjustments based on individual taste.
This approach distorts the rug’s design scheme but serves as a unique signature, making each handmade rug a distinctive example of authentic art that appeals to a wide audience. One intriguing aspect of Qalat carpets is that, at times, there is a concealed narrative behind what may initially appear as incorrect designs.
SPECIFICATIONS
How it sits in your room.
152 × 105 CM (5' × 3'5"), DRAWN TO SCALE WITH TYPICAL AUSTRALIAN FURNITURE SIZES.
Small beside a 3-seater sofa. It suits a reading corner, under an armchair or across an entry better than a sofa setting.
Only 13 cm of rug would show beyond even a four-seat table, so the chairs would sit off it. This one belongs in a living room or bedroom.
Narrower than a queen bed, so it sits across the foot of the bed, tucked 20 cm under. A pair of runners either side is the other way to dress a bed this size.
Measure the room, or just the area the rug should cover, and we will draw this rug in it to scale.
