Rug. Khorjin Design. Persia. Circa 1880. 62 X 55 Cm

Some small pieces possess all the richness of a large rug.
This antique Persian khorjin rug is a beautiful example of this.
Despite its small size, the design is astonishingly dense and, above all, remarkably refined. Knotted wool-on-wool, it can be dated to the late 19th century, likely from a Kurdish workshop in western Iran.

The central field, in a particularly deep indigo blue, is organized around a powerful ivory medallion with jagged, hooked contours. Surrounding it is a multitude of stylized geometric and plant motifs: palmettes, small diamonds, rosettes, and cross-shaped forms interlock almost without leaving any empty space. The whole is framed by several successive borders, including a wide ivory border with angular motifs, which brings light and rhythm to this particularly rich composition.

The upper section alone is worth taking a closer look at. It replaces the knotted velvet with an extremely fine flat weave, composed of small compartments featuring herringbone patterns. The slits visible between these elements are not accidental: they were part of the khorjin’s original closure system. Loops from the other side of the bag were threaded through these openings and then intertwined, creating a closure system that is both simple and remarkably ingenious.

Finally, the color palette is superb: indigo blue and midnight blue, madder red, brick red, ivory, tobacco brown, ochre, sage green, and small touches of turquoise. The colors are never garish; time has blended them together and given them that distinctive depth sought after in beautiful 19th-century tribal weavings.

Front of the khorjin – Persia, western Iran, likely Kurdish work
Late 19th century
Wool on wool – knotted velvet and woven upper section
Plant-based dyes
Dimensions: 62 x 55 cm

Laurent
Beauty of Kilims