The present carpet illustrates the prolific 19th century production in the provinces of east Azerbaijan. These Heriz-like carpets typically have a glossy wool and were probably woven for local use. More commonly woven in long and narrow formats to accomodate the more typical Persian home, the present carpet is of unusually wide proportions and incorporates a central lozenge medallion and spandrels.
This mina khani variant design is derived from 17th and 18th century northwest persian prototypes. In our example, the ivory field is a backdrop for the trellis of archaic rosettes and serrated leaves. The variation of size of the various elements used in the trellis creates interest by breaking the intended symmetry of the design. Visual intrigue is further enhanced by the vivid and saturated colors that are balanced throughout the carpet. The same lattice of serrated leaves and rosettes but on a striking golden-yellow field is found on a carpet illustrated by Eberhart Herrmann, Asiatische Teppich-und Textilkunst, band 4, Munich 1992, pl. 64, which later sold in Sotheby's New York, 10 April 1997, lot 237.