Old Yazd | 353 x 270 cm | Nr. Z-4487

All-over patterned old Yazd, dark blue with border and paisley

Origin

Yazd (also spelled Yasd) lies in central Iran on the southern edge of the Dasht-e Kavir, the Great Salt Desert, and is the capital of the province of the same name in the south-east of the country. Yazd is one of Iran's oldest cities. The oasis city, built largely from mud brick, has existed since the third millennium BC. Its unique architecture has earned it a place on the World Heritage list. Around 500,000 people live here today.

Originally, Yazd rugs had a bluish pattern, which gradually faded as production grew. Because demand was so strong, the local workshops leaned more and more on the patterns and colours of Kerman rugs, so that Yazd and Kerman rugs can be hard to tell apart today. Matters are complicated further by the fact that rugs with Keshan patterns were also made in Yazd. This old Yazd is around 45 years old and a real collector's piece.

Pattern

The decorated surround (border) forms a wonderful contrast to the centre and shapes the transition at the edge of the rug.

The repeating elements of this Yazd rug have no specific centre. The recurring repeat pattern feels calming, yet never dull. Rugs with a repeat pattern are also described as all-over patterned.

The lavish floral motifs of this Yazd are elegant and richly varied. The graceful plant symbols, depicting blossoms, leaves and branches, are artfully intertwined.

The pattern of this Yazd is adorned with wonderful paisley motifs. The paisley motif depicts a leaf with a tapering, curved tip, rather like a large comma, and recalls the fish-bladder ornament of the Gothic period. Its origins lie with the Chaldeans, who evidently used the motif to depict the shoot of the date palm, which was vital to their survival. The motif spread as far as the Celts, but was displaced there again by Greek and Roman ornament. Rug patterns containing paisley ornaments are also known as boteh patterns, in Persian Mir-e-butha or Mir-i-bota.

The background of this Yazd is cream white. Dark blue and light red also dominate the overall impression. The border is worked in dark blue, light red and cream white.

Condition

This Yazd has had admirers before you. It was hand-knotted around 1975. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it with great care. Despite its age, it is therefore in very good condition.

Material

The pile of this Yazd was hand-knotted from high-quality new wool. New wool is obtained by gently shearing sheep. New wool is a renewable, natural raw material with a range of impressive qualities: thanks to the wool's natural lanolin content, the surface repels droplets of water and is therefore naturally protected against dirt. Wool also offers excellent thermal insulation, helps regulate the indoor climate and dampens sound. The weft and warp threads of this Yazd are made of cotton. This versatile material is tear-resistant and elastic, which makes it particularly well suited to a hard-wearing foundation weave.