Antique Tabriz rug, Azerbaijan, NW Iran, early 20th century, 11 ft 04 in x 16 ft 02 in (3.45 m x 4.93 m), Nazmiyal Collection

Antique Tabriz from Northwest Persia, late nineteenth century. The supremely elegant antique Tabriz is the woven embodiment of the romantic Persian notion of paradise the garden. Four slender cypress trees grow from the lower border amidst tree-like vines that send their sinuous branches upward. This composition conveys a sweeping sense of movement in a contemplative setting. Smaller cypresses and floral sprays make up the border. The meditative, minimal palette features an ivory ground with delicate details in soft greens, terracotta, pale gold, camel, chestnut, and slate blue.