A Heriz silk prayer rug, Northwest Persia

Knot count per square inch:



22-24 horizontal, 29-32 vertical

Pile generally good, near original, approximately 1/8th of an inch throughout with some scattered visible warp ties an a few minor scattered spot stains, most visible being a 2" crescent in upper left corner of field. Some vertical foldwear in upper section of field. The sides original with some minor losses to selvages. Ends with remnants of original knotted fringes. Extremely supple blanket-like handle, unusual field design, very good overall condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Almost all wool Heriz weavings can be characterized by a rectilinear medallion design that has changed little over time, symmetrical knotting, relatively low knot density, and the dominance of madder and indigo colors punctuated with yellows, browns and sometimes occasional greens. Pieces from the mid and late nineteenth century tend to have particularly attractive color palettes that, while often saturated or brilliant, are never harsh. Brilliant coloring is one of the few characteristics wool and silk weavings from Heriz share. As exemplified on the piece offered here, silk weavings attributed to Heriz have soft yet saturated hues that make up a fine and harmonious color palette. Just like the lot offered here, Heriz silk rugs are always extremely pliable and, unlike their woolen counterparts, finely woven. In many ways, Heriz silk rugs resemble silks produced in nearby Tabriz. Some suggest that, because of their shared design characteristics with Tabriz silks, these finely-woven pieces cannot be attributed to Heriz with certainty, see Murray L. Eiland Jr. and Murray Eiland III, Oriental Carpets, London, 1998, p. 93. Medallions, floral patterns, inscription cartouches, and figural elements, most often drawn with grace in a curvilinear fashion, are all commonly used in Heriz silk rugs and carpets, such as the ones sold Carpets from the Estate of Vojtech Blau, Sotheby's New York, December 14, 2006, lots 14 and 90. The lot offered here is unusual for a Heriz weaving as its central design elements differ from the traditional Heriz canon. The peculiar, almost  figurative, design outlining a naturalistically drawn tree under the mihrab arch makes this lot a unique piece whose curious inscription reading there are many Satans disguised as humans, therefore, you need not shake everyone's hand, render this lot even more distinctive. Regardless of the unusual design and ominous inscription, the extremely high quality of workmanship and brilliant color palette attest to the mastery of weavers from the Heriz area.