Vintage Persian Hamadan Tribal Rug with Crimson Diamond Medallion, C.1960

From the ancient city of Hamadan, a historic nexus on the Silk Road, comes this captivating vintage Persian rug — a testament to an enduring and deeply personal artistic tradition. For centuries, the weavers in the small villages scattered throughout the Zagros Mountains have translated their world into wool and dye, creating textiles of profound beauty and utility. This piece, dating to the vibrant mid-century period, is not merely a floor covering but a tangible connection to that legacy; it is a piece of history, imbued with the soul of its weaver and the spirit of its place of origin.

The Weaver's Lexicon: Design and Symbolism

This rug is a woven lexicon of cultural beliefs, a story told in pattern and colour. The commanding central medallion, a nested diamond of crimson red and pure ivory, serves as a cosmic diagram — a powerful symbol of a well-ordered universe and a protective talisman for the home. In Persian tradition, such medallions can represent the sun or a guiding star, while the diamond shape itself is often interpreted as a watchful eye, safeguarding the household from harm.

This protective emblem is set against a field of deep indigo, a color of immense power and tranquillity, evoking the solitude of the night sky. The field is alive with a dense lattice of stylised botanicals, a regional interpretation of the Herati motif, which speaks of paradise, fertility, and the cyclical nature of life. To own this rug is to embrace a story of protection, harmony, and vitality, passed down through the hands of a village artisan.

An Enduring Craft: Provenance and Materiality

The exceptional quality and longevity of this rug are a direct result of its materials and masterful construction. It was hand-knotted by a village artisan using the symmetrical Ghiordes knot, a technique renowned for its durability. Each of the tens of thousands of knots was tied by hand, a painstaking process that transforms simple threads into a resilient and complex textile.

The pile is crafted from hand-spun wool sourced from local mountain sheep, a fibre prized for its strength, high lanolin content, and subtle, organic lustre. The foundation of cotton and the signature single-wefted "Hamadan weave" are hallmarks of authenticity, a testament to a regional weaving tradition that has been perfected over generations. This is a rug built to endure, designed to acquire a richer character with the passage of time.

Condition and Curatorial Notes

In excellent vintage condition. The rug possesses a dense, even pile and vibrant, well-preserved colour. It exhibits gentle wear consistent with its age and history, which contributes to its authentic, storied character.

This piece has been professionally and meticulously cleaned and is ready for immediate placement in a discerning home or collection.

Dimensions:    Height: 147 cm x Width: 105 cm
Style: Tribal, Rustic
Place of Origin: Persian, Iran. Circa 1960
Materials and Techniques: Hand-Knotted Wool on Cotton Foundation, Natural Dyes
Condition: Excellent. Professionally cleaned. Wear consistent with age and use.