A vintage Persian Qum area rug from the third quarter of the 20th century, hand-knotted in a rare near-square format and featuring an elegant allover Herati pattern of exceptional refinement. The ivory field is beautifully balanced by a deep navy border, with geometric Herati motifs rendered in soft brown and dark red — a palette of quiet sophistication that reflects the restrained elegance for which Qum weavers are celebrated.
The city of Qum — one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam — entered the carpet weaving world only in the early 20th century, but rapidly established itself as the premier center for luxury silk and fine wool carpets in all of Persia. Qum rugs are distinguished by extraordinarily high knot counts, luminous silk highlights, and an design vocabulary drawn from the deepest wells of the Persian classical tradition. The finest Qum rugs are among the most technically accomplished textiles ever made.
