Kerman Vase Carpet from Alice de Rothschild Collection

The Kerman Vase-Technique Carpet (Model: ART00676) by Ararat Rugs is a distinguished creation inspired by the renowned 17th-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.

This Kerman Vase-Technique Carpet features a palette of 11 natural colors extracted from locally sourced plants, roots, and minerals, reflecting true Persian craftsmanship:

• Gunmetal Blue 409: Derived from indigo
• Imperial Red 415: Sourced from madder root
• Natural Wool Color 320: Specially washed, undyed wool
• Cocoa Brown 109: Natural color of the sheep's wool
• Olive Green 425: Extracted from dyer’s weed
• Navy Blue 432: A blend of indigo and pomegranate
• Tussock 550: Combination of madder root and walnut hulls
• Yellow Green 419: Mixture of henna and indigo
• Charleston Green 50: From spurge and indigo
• Russian Green 418: A Blend of henna and indigo

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

Design & Historical Influence

Kerman Vase carpets are celebrated 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: A hallmark of Kerman weaving, featuring ornate vases from which floral arrangements emerge
• Intricate Floral & Palmette Design: Includes sickle leaves, trees, mythical simurghs, fountains, and a variety of naturalistic birds
• Influence from Persian Miniature Painting: Depictions of cypress trees entwined with flowering prunus, reminiscent of Safavid manuscript art
• Birds & Mythological Creatures: Features 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 Kerman Vase-Technique Carpet draws inspiration from one of the rarest groups of Persian carpets, sharing similarities with renowned pieces such as 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: 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: 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 Kerman Vase-Technique Carpet 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.