Story

Inscribed 𝙁𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙨𝙝 𝙈𝙞𝙧𝙯𝙖 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙝 𝙆𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙞𝙧 𝙏𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 1313
فرمايش ميرزا صالح خان امير تومان ١٣١٣

Perfect condition
Museum quality

Mirza Saleh Khan was one of the leading Qajar dignitaries and politicians of his day, who also was one of the most influential figures in the rise of the social status of Persian carpets. He was one of the earliest benefactors and sponsors of the fabled Mohtasham workshop of Kashan, his name appearing as the commissioner of a couple of surviving signed masterpieces by Mohtasham himself.

Prior to that, during his tenure as governor of South Azerbaijan, based in Tabriz, he became one of the first Qajar leaders to spot the dramatic potential of the weaving villages of Heriz and Bakhshayesh where this stunning artwork was created on his explicit order. I also have in my private collection a remarkable Hajji Jalili Tabriz made for him as well as a very rare Qazvini rug he ordered while serving as that area’s governor subsequently.

In this marvellous and frankly unique Serapi, we are immediately impressed by the uncommon proportions and the incredible balancing of negative to positive space. The rhomboid medallion and scrolling vinery border suggest this may well be a Bakhshayesh. The natural dyes are outstanding, especially the turquoise of the border and the brilliant madder red of the field.

A true work of art and an unparalleled beauty. The ultimate rare exclusive luxury.