The source of the rug comes from the book Islamic Carpets, Joseph V. McMullan, Near Eastern Art Research Center Inc., New York 1965 nr.22. This is a system of arabesque-designed 19th-century rugs from Gerous ( Garrus or Garus ) region, Eastern Kurdistan area. This rug is a splendid echo of the Arabesque and Vase Carpets brought to perfection during the time of Shah Abbas the Great. The only element missing is the vase itself. A powerful system of arabesques is the framework, connected in many places by a variety of superbly drawn palmettes, crisp and clean in every outline. Except for the palmettes, the semi-naturalistic flowers and shrubbery of the field pattern all grow in one direction, which of course is characteristic of the early Vase Carpets. It is surprising to find such a rug, standing fully in the great tradition of 17th-century arabesque patterns, woven as late as the end of the 18th century. However, to quote Dr. Pope, "This carpet is important far beyond its years." It should be noted that in all probability this Kurdish chieftain had through inheritance or gift, an original carpet of the Shah Abbas arabesque type and chose to attempt a wearing of an equally superior design. The other similar field example is exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET Museum). Our designers choose soft colors for this rug.
