A KURDISH CARPET

This example has many of the signature features of the group of rugs that Alberto Levi has termed "Proto-Kurdish". Typical features include a vibrantly colored floral field pattern with lobed central medallion, running-dog minor borders and a naively drawn floral vine scroll main border, all motifs that originate in classical Safavid designs ('Renewal & Innovation: Iconographic Influences on Kurdish Carpet Design', Hali no. 70, 1993). For a similar example, see Sotheby's New York, 1 April 2003, lot 93.