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I bought an absolute gorgeous rug. Seller had it for over 20 years and said it is 70's Heriz. It is 3,39 x 3,56 cm so almost square. But if I search for Heriz or Heriz Serapi I can not find anything remotely similar. Can anybody tell me anything about it?
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I bought an absolute gorgeous rug. Seller had it for over 20 years and said it is 70's Heriz. It is 3,39 x 3,56 cm so almost square. But if I search for Heriz or Heriz Serapi I can not find anything remotely similar. Can anybody tell me anything about it? -
Hi Aaron
That's a very handsome rug and does have a sort of Heriz vibe. But it doesn't really look like that's what it is, and the square size would argue against it as well.
I'd start by looking for a label sewn onto the back. It would help folks to guess what it is if you post closeup photos of the back.
Best
Steve Price -
That is an amazing looking piece. With the subtle colors and motifs, it definitely appears possibly a Serapi. For me it could be Caucasus or Azerbaijan as well. They are all in the same area geographically. It appears very well taken care of.Joe LawrenceComment
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Dear Aaron,
Here is a link to a somewhat similar carpet, which is described as a Serapi: https://www.azerbaijanrugs.com/guide...rapi_rug59.htm
The village of Sarab is only about 10 Km north of Heriz (Heris) in East Azerbaijan province, and the village of Bakshaish is not far away. Of the three possibilities, I would guess that your carpet, with its rectilinear central medallion and palmette or "turtle" main border is closest stylistically to those carpets described as Heriz-Serapis. However, because it is many generations younger than the 19th century originals it is not possible to know whether it was made in or near Sarab.
Hope this helps.
Joseph
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Thanks Joseph, Joe, Steve.
The previous owner said it was bought in the 1991/2 at Foumani or Davoud in Amsterdam and was sold as a Heriz from the north of Iran. But I can not find anything similar in style. Maybe Bakhshayesh?
I will check for a label but don't think there was one.Last edited by aaron boumans; 01-08-2026, 12:01 PM.Comment
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Look at the knot. If it is asymmetrical your carpet is probably a chinese forgeryComment
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A forgery is something made to fool others into misidentifying it. It may be Chinese, although it looks different enough from mainstream Heriz carpets that I wouldn't call it a forgery.Originally posted by Guest View Post
Steve PriceComment
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Indeed if it is an original, wich I strongly doubt, I shall call it a BakhshaishComment
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Hi
I'll wait to see closeup images of the back, sides, and end finishes. It doesn't look like a Heriz to me; more like a similar design from Kashmir.
Regards
Chuck WagnerComment
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There is a old small worn label: 'Made in Iran' and the size., nothing more Will make some pictures from the back.Comment
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I have asked an expert. Because of size&ratio, colours, label(printed and hand-written):
Late 20th century handknotted Iranian rug ('65-'85), northwest Iran, most likely Heriz/Sarab. Probably made for export due to its size and colour scheme. Stepped geometric medallion of Sarab design and a restrained architectural composition. Estimated retail value 6000-9000€. Estimated insurance value 8000-12000€.
Thanks you all, I love this rug and will enjoy it for years to come!Comment
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I am happy to hear you have a few answers to your questions. The size and colors are still appropriate for the general region. You will never know for sure if it was made for export. To me, it’s a masterpiece that could have been commissioned or made for a family or State facility with the funds to buy it locally. The tag is required for export but could have been put on years after it was made and sold outside the country. One will never know for sure. I do feel the date range is appropriate too leaning more towards the 60’s based on the pics you posted but that is just an assumption with my limited facts.
Joe LawrenceComment
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