Kerman Vase Carpet from Alice de Rothschild Collection

The Kerman Vase-Technique Carpet (Model: ART00675) by Ararat Rugs is a distinguished creation inspired by the renowned 16th-century Kerman "Vase" carpets of southeastern Persia. This piece embodies the elegance and sophistication characteristic of Persian court art from that era.

A poetic reinterpretation of the famed Rothschild vase carpet—once part of Alice de Rothschild’s collection. The original trio of Alice de Rothschild of Waddesdon Manor surfaced in a 2016 Christie’s sale—a rare convergence of beauty, historical importance, and storied provenance. Built upon the legacy of the legendary Kerman Vase Technique carpets, this rug manifests a storied design lineage through modern craftsmanship and artistic fidelity.

These carpets offer:

• Exquisite natural dye palettes and meticulous weaving

• Cultural gravitas rooted in Persian Safavid tradition

• Sophisticated design suited for collectors seeking depth and elegance

Each piece is more than decoration—it’s a cultural artifact, a legacy woven in wool.

Authentic Natural Dye & Color Palette

This Kirman Vase rug is crafted using 13 distinct natural dyes, extracted from locally sourced plants, roots, and minerals, reflecting true Persian craftsmanship.

• Navy Blue 432 – Made from indigo and pomegranate
• Natural Wool Color 320 – Undyed, washed wool
• Falu Red 400 – From madder root, henna, and walnut shells
• Sunray 405 – From henna
• Russet 519 – A blend of pomegranate and Turkish henna
• Imperial Red 415 – A deep Persian red from madder root
• Celtic Blue 22 – Derived from indigo
• Dark Sienna 431 – A variation of madder root dye
• Pine Tree 420 – A deep green from henna and indigo
• Cocoa Brown 109 – The natural, undyed brown of wool
• Yellow Green 419 – A mix of henna and indigo
• Cadet Blue 26 – From spurge and indigo
• Light French Beige 421 – From tea, pomegranate, and walnut shells

This rich and varied palette mimics the vibrant yet refined color schemes of historical Kirman Vase carpets, bringing historical accuracy and artistic depth to this contemporary masterpiece.

Design & Historical Influence

The Kirman Vase carpets were renowned for their complex, richly detailed compositions, often used in Persian royal courts and ceremonial halls.
This rug’s intricate floral and palmette arrangements are symmetrically balanced along the central vertical axis but are not mirrored horizontally, giving the composition a dynamic and organic feel.

✔ Signature Vase Motif – The hallmark of Kirman weaving, featuring ornate vases from which floral arrangements emerge
✔ Intricate Floral & Palmette Design – Sickle leaves, trees, mythical simurghs, fountains, and a variety of naturalistic birds
✔ Influence from Persian Miniature Painting – The depiction of cypress trees entwined with flowering prunus, reminiscent of Safavid manuscript art
✔ Birds & Mythological Creatures – Includes peacocks, parrots, birds of prey, ducks, storks, and simurghs, intricately placed within the vines and foliage

The birds in this design are not just decorative elements but an integral part of the composition, reflecting the Safavid court’s fascination with naturalism, as seen in tilework, textiles, and illuminated manuscripts.

Artistic & Historical Significance

This Kirman Vase rug takes inspiration from one of the rarest groups of Persian carpets.
It shares similarities with the Clark-Corcoran Sickle-Leaf carpet, the Gulbenkian carpet in Lisbon, and the Rothschild carpet, each showcasing a unique interpretation of the Vase technique.

✔ Connection to the Royal Courts of Persia – Arthur Upham Pope suggested that these carpets were used as dias covers, with thrones placed at one end, creating an illusion of sitting in the center of a vast, extended carpet.
✔ Dynamic Design – The vertical arrangement of elements, including cypress trees, palmettes, and mythical creatures, suggests this carpet was commissioned for ceremonial or royal use.
✔ Exceptional Draughtsmanship – As May Beattie noted, the finest Vase carpets were likely created under court patronage, requiring skilled designers and master weavers.

The symbolic richness of this rug, combined with its faithful revival of the original design, makes it a true collector’s piece.

This Kirman Vase Rug is a masterpiece that brings the elegance and historical grandeur of Safavid-era Persian weaving into the modern world. Its intricate design and rich color palette make it a timeless addition to any space.