Mid 20th Century Handwoven Persian Tribal Gabbeh Rug – “Stars at Night” – 9'7" × 6'4"

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Mid-Century Handwoven Persian Tribal Gabbeh Rug — “Stars at Night”

A striking mid-century Persian tribal Gabbeh rug, handwoven in wool … Read more Mid-Century Handwoven Persian Tribal Gabbeh Rug — “Stars at Night”

A striking mid-century Persian tribal Gabbeh rug, handwoven in wool and acquired in Hong Kong approximately 25 years ago from Oriental Carpet Trading House, the respected specialist carpet business associated with sixth-generation oriental carpet expert Rizwan Butt.

Measuring approximately 115 × 76 inches (9'7" × 6'4"), this unusually large Gabbeh has an exceptionally spare and sophisticated composition. Deep indigo and navy surround a luminous blue-green field, within which a second, darker field creates a strong sense of depth. Repeated small rectangular motifs form rhythmic bands around the central area, giving the design an almost architectural quality.

The rug was described to us as representing “stars at night.” The meaning becomes especially apparent when the rug is viewed closely: hundreds of tiny irregular whitish and silvery points are woven throughout the deep navy central field, creating the subtle impression of a night sky. From across the room, the field reads as a rich, nearly monochromatic expanse of indigo; up close, it reveals itself to be filled with points of light.

Small coral and salmon-colored accents punctuate the surrounding blue-green field, providing restrained moments of warmth. Their sparing use makes them particularly effective against the predominantly cool palette.

The rug has the tactile irregularity and depth characteristic of a handwoven tribal textile, with subtle variations in color, texture and individual motifs that give the surface its distinctive character. Its restrained geometry and abstract quality feel remarkably contemporary, while retaining the warmth and individuality of an authentic Persian tribal weaving.

This is a particularly unusual Gabbeh: large in scale, quiet in palette, and highly graphic in design. It has considerable presence in a room without overwhelming the surrounding furnishings, and reveals increasing detail and texture as one approaches it.

Details
- Mid-century Persian tribal Gabbeh
- Handwoven wool
- Approx. 115 × 76 inches (9'7" × 6'4")
- Predominantly deep indigo, navy, blue and blue-green, with small coral/salmon accents
- Design traditionally described to us as representing “stars at night”
- Acquired in Hong Kong approximately 25 years ago
- Purchased from Oriental Carpet Trading House, associated with Rizwan Butt
- Excellent vintage condition, with the natural variations and character of a handwoven tribal rug See less