Antique Hamadan Handwoven Traditional Rug, JF8209

This antique rug originates from Hamadan, Persia, a region renowned for its rich historical and cultural contributions to carpet weaving. The rug showcases a traditional design characterized by a deep red background and a navy border, embodying the distinctive aesthetic elements that typify Hamadan carpets. The rug is crafted using wool on cotton, a combination that ensures durability and a substantial texture.

Hamadan is one of Persia's oldest cities and has long been a significant center for carpet weaving, influenced by various ethnic groups that contribute to its unique styles and designs. The weaving techniques commonly employed in the construction of Hamadan rugs include the symmetric Ghiordes or Turkish knot, known for its durability, along with single-wefting and cotton warps and wefts that result in a coarse yet resilient texture.

The design elements of Hamadan rugs are deeply rooted in local traditions, often showcasing angular geometric patterns, arabesques, and curvilinear motifs. The diverse villages within the Hamadan region each have their distinct styles, making these carpets stand out from those of other areas. The region's historical role in commercial carpet production means these rugs retain localized styles, relatively unaffected by Western design trends, which underscores the unique craftsmanship of the area.

Visually, this particular Hamadan rug features a dense and intricate floral pattern that is evenly distributed throughout the central field. The design includes various elements such as flowers, leaves, and vine-like details, creating a visually rich tapestry. Significant repetition and symmetry in the patterns contribute to a balanced appearance.

The dominant background color is a deep, rich red, while the floral and botanical motifs are rendered in a variety of colors, including dark blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and purples. This diverse color palette adds to the richness and complexity of the design. The rug's multiple borders frame the central field, with the outermost border featuring a dark blue background embellished with intricate and colorful floral patterns, matching the complexity and color variety of the central field. Several thinner borders inside the outer border feature distinct yet complementary designs, including a thin yellow border with small red and blue elements, a slightly wider border with a red background and small floral motifs, and additional thin borders that mirror these colors.

Highly symmetrical along both the vertical and horizontal axes, the design’s repetitive floral motifs and the arrangement of the borders enhance the rug's aesthetically appealing and harmonious appearance. Through its intricate patterns and rich color scheme, this Hamadan rug exemplifies the skilled artistry and diverse cultural influences that have shaped Persian carpet weaving traditions.