Antique Serapi rug, Azerbaijan, NW Iran, late 19th century, 7. ft 10 in x 8. ft 10 in (2.39 m x 2.69 m), Nazmiyal Collection

While Serapi carpets are prized for their grand medallion designs, this splendid and unusual example has an allover floral pattern of classical Caucasian or Persian inspiration. Large oval palmettes in ivory and blue are staggered across the field in alternation with diagonal ‘Harshang’ motifs to either side of the central ‘flame palmettes.’ Tiny floral details fill in the remainder of the rich red ground. An interlacing vinescroll or ‘turtle’ main border set on gold frames the field, reinforced by minor vinescroll borders with small clover flowers. The quality of the saturated color is extraordinary even among exceptional Serapis of this kind.