Antique Serapi rug, Azerbaijan, NW Iran, 19th century, 10 ft 07 in x 14 ft 03 in (3.23 m x 4.34 m), Nazmiyal Collection

The term Serapi is used to distinguish the finest of the antique Heriz carpets produced in Northwest Persia, and this lavish example epitomizes that special blend of color and crisp geometric design that sets Serapis apart. Here a monumental, finialed floral medallion in black and ivory reigns supreme across the vibrant red field, surrounded by ivory spandrels at the four corners. Elegant flowering sprigs and palmettes fill the intervening red ground, echoing the details in the ivory spandrels. A grand ‘turtle’ or palmette vinescroll border frames the field, retaining its red ground. The controlled precision of the drawing, along with the graphic use of color and design make this a special carpet, even among the best of Serapis.