Fine Antique Persian Heriz S Rug, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1880 – A formal garden of cypress and willow trees adorn this splendid Persian carpet from Heriz. This antique carpet was produced in the 1880 during a time when the Persian carpet industry was experiencing a revival. The upright nature of the cypress trees was a common element in the formal gardens of Persia. Their stately presence pointed to the heavens and connected man to the sublime. The downward pointing branches of the willow trees in this design create a point of contrast in line and form.

The cypress tree design is long-lived and represents eternal life. The willow tree is a symbol of love. These repeated motifs in the carpet provide a clue as to the intended meaning of the weaver. The regular geometric pattern of the antique Persian Heriz Serapi carpet brings in the idea of a sense of cosmic order and the divine.

Along the borders of the antique Persian rug, one can find fruits and flowers representing abundance. The symmetry of the antique rug and the precision with which the design was carried out give it a formal quality. Yet, one can easily imagine a splendid walk among the formal paths within the garden space. The borders of the carpet are much like a formal garden wall.

One of the unique features of this Silk Heriz rug is that the bottom of the carpet seems to represent a tree coming from the earth. It is reminiscent of the idea of the Tree of Life sending forth the creation of the other plants and life. The design is like a larger mother tree that brings forth all of the others.

The colors of the antique Oriental carpet are subdued and earthy. The browns, rusts, and blues stand out against the ivory background. The Persian rug weavers who produced this fine rug were highly trained and skilled at their craft. It is a magnificent piece and would be an excellent addition to a distinguished collection. It would add an air of formality and connection to nature to any room design.