Serapi or Heriz Design Oriental Carpet
Textile, Decorative Arts: Hand-knotted rug • Northwest Persian (Iranian) tribal weavers or Indo-Heriz workshop imitation
Style & Movement
Persian Tribal/Village Style (Heriz-Serapi tradition)
Medium & Technique
Wool pile on cotton foundation; asymmetrical (Persian) or symmetrical (Turkish) hand-knotting with natural and synthetic dyes
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s–1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 feet or 9 x 12 feet (Portrait/Rectangular format)
Subject Description
Geometric medallion composition featuring a dominant central hexagonal motif with stylized floral and foliate 'Herati' patterns. The design is characterized by bold, angular rectilinear lines and a classic color palette of madder red, indigo blue, ivory, and ochre.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible pile wear consistent with domestic use and some fading
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via retail decorative arts market or estate acquisition; common in high-end mid-to-late 20th-century residential interiors
Art Historical Significance
Represents the enduring influence of the Heriz district in Northwest Iran, known for durable 'Iron Rugs' that bridges nomadic tribal aesthetics with grand room-sized urban formats.
Notable Features
Bold geometric abstraction of traditional floral forms; the terracotta-red field suggests a high-quality wool that has taken dye with consistent saturation.
Condition Issues
Minor fringe wear, localized pile thinning ('low shear' areas), and light abrasion from furniture legs (visible near the table and ottoman feet)
Conservation Recommendations
Professional aqueous cleaning, rotation every 6 months to even out UV exposure/wear, and use of a high-quality rubber-and-felt rug pad