Antique Serapi rug, Azerbaijan, NW Iran, late 19th century, 9. ft 07 in x 11 ft 07 in (2.92 m x 3.53 m), Nazmiyal Collection

This lavish antique Serapi has a classic Heriz design. A monumental star medallion rendered in soft blue, pale green, and salmon and sprouting lush finials in red hovers within a cool ivory field. Red cornerpieces with arabesque detail reverse the colors of the medallion. A broad pale blue-ground ‘turtle’ border frames the field, enclosed by minor vinescroll borders, recalling again the palette of the medallion, but with a contrasting, more delicate scale. The drawing has a finesse unusual among Serapis.