Size: 12ft 2in x 9ft 11in (370 x 302cm).
Antique Tabriz carpet from the famous workshops of ‘Benlian’; note his well-known star signature in the corner.
Circa 1900/20.
The renowned dealer Franses, writes as follows: The Benlian workshops manufactured carpets for the European market in the city of Tabriz during the first half of the 20th century. Edward E Benlian was a London carpet dealer of Armenian descent who maximized his ties to the thriving Armenian community of Tabriz at the beginning of the last century to produce some of the best quality and most sought after Persian carpets of the era. His master weavers included Javan Amirkizi and Mahmud Ghalicheh. The Benlian designers successfully reinterpreted the classical carpet designs of 16th and 17th century Safavid Persia, simplifying and unifying the iconic patterns and using a lighter, more European-style palette and strong graphic quality that continues to appeal to modern taste.
This outstanding example is of a Safavid floral design on a cream coloured ground, framed by a classical floral border. The carpet has an overall light feel with very soft pastel colours and would grace the finest of rooms. The famous Benlian star can be seen in the inner border, upper left hand corner and is signed for the workshop of the master weaver Javan Amirkhiz.
The carpet is in excellent condition with slight even wear and good pile. There are one or two very small and faint historic marks that even after two washes we could not remove.
The carpet is suitable for normal domestic use such as a dining room or a living room.
The carpet has been hand washed and is ready for use.
Stock Number: R-2936.