Hello Doug, I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal, Considering the photographs, overall pattern, knot density and the colours, I concluded that this is an Entirely Hand Knotted Persian Najafabad Rug, dating back to the 1970-1990 period. Just like a previous piece from your collection this piece has a characteristic Isfahan Rug pattern. But also clearly shows a Najafabad quality knot count and a very specific red tone. One very important difference is that this piece has very peculiar motifs added to it's design. The grapes and grape leaves! Grape as a plant with it's branches is a rarely knotted motif on rugs. Grape is usually associated with wealth since one branch produces hundreds of fruits. The writing on the upper middle part is the hallmark of the local weaving atelier in Najafabad. As we see in Isfahan pieces, your rug has a central decoration with a medallion. The medallion has a floral pattern just like the rest of the rug including borders. This very bright tone of red used on the base is a characteristic feature to these rugs. Although Isfahan pieces vary in colour almost all Najafabad pieces are knotted on a red base. We can see ivory and blue tones through the decoration. Due to the lower knot density in comparison to Isfahan pieces the motifs on your rug are rendered somewhat muddy but clearer than your previous najafabad piece with a higher knot count. In good condition with small signes of age. Knotted wool on wool. Entirely hand knotted. Dimensions: 13 Feet by 9 Feet 7 Inches Condition: In good condition with small signes of age Provenance: Inherited from customer's parents, parents purchased the piece from a carpet dealer in Augusta, GA. The dealer is no longer in bussiness. Heavily decorated by traditional Isfahan patterns. 1400-1600$. Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.
