The design of this rug, which is rendered by lachak toranj, is artistically accomplished with very cleverly enriched and improvised islimi motifs. These motifs are prominently placed throughout the field to constitute the main framework of the design. The medallion, coloured in shade of black, is derived from the field by a leafy band. The well-known four-islimi motif patterned in the cartouche of the central medallion is accompanied by small trees on whose branches birds are perched. The very carefully constructed field of the rug is enchanted by an organized flow and motion bounded by the scroll of islimi bands together with spiralling khatayi stems bearing flowers and leaves that are flanked by invigorated and intermittent cloud bands. The spandrels host a fine composition of khatayi motifs as well as animal figures such as tiger and Jackal
The wide border lies on a bed of elegant islimi and khatayi motifs, while the narrow outer and inner borders with touches of dark blue and crimson hues are embossed with interconnected small blossoms. The peaceful harmony seen here owes its brilliance much to the fantastic colour scheme. This silk rug has some parts enriched with gold and silver threads
Related Description
Origin: Tabriz, end of the 15th century
Collection: National Museum of Iran, Tehran
Design: Islimi lachack toranj
Knot type: Symmetric
Dimensions: 204 x 170 cm
Raj: Approx. 65
Knots per 10 cm (width): 90
Knots per 10 cm (length): 77
