Antique Fereghan or Mahal Carpet 196 x 292cm / 6'5" x 9'7"

The border on this early carpet is impressively wide in proportion to the field and becomes the main feature which is normally otherwise the case. The rich, saffron yellow is also remarkable, for its copious use and ability to withstand the onslaught of time without submitting to the light fading that is so common. A combination of superbly well dyed wool stuff and some luck, that it was used out of direct light for most of its 170-odd years of life. The wool quality is notable, as is the sparkle of the floral motifs within the narrow field, contrasting beautifully with the subtly abrashed navy blue field. A quiet masterpiece of understated sophistication and charm. The sort of rug which will be hotly contended in hundreds of years time and deservedly belongs in the museum of the future.