A magnificent late 19th century Persian Farahan gallery runner, woven in an allover paisley — or boteh — design set against a dramatic dark blue field with a cream-colored main border. At nearly 20 feet in length, this is a rare and imposing piece: gallery-size Farahan runners of this vintage are among the most difficult antique Persian rugs to find, and one in this allover paisley format is rarer still.
The Farahan district of Western Persia, located in the Arak province, produced some of the most refined and technically accomplished village rugs of the 19th century — pieces distinguished by their use of the signature pistachio green border, their meticulous Herati patterns, and the extraordinary quality of their naturally dyed wool. Farahan rugs were among the first Persian village rugs to be exported to Western markets, and the finest examples remain among the most sought-after antique rugs in the world today.
Dimensions: 6' 3" x 19' 9"
Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1800s
Place of Origin: Persia (Farahan District, Western Persia)
Material: Wool pile on a wool foundation with vegetable dyes
