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This is a hand-knotted antique Zanjan rug, originating from the Zanjan province in northwestern Iran—a region celebrated for its bold village weaving, robust wool, and distinctive, graphic tribal aesthetic. Dating approximately 80 years old to the mid-1940s, this piece represents a beautiful transition between tribal folk art and structured village craftsmanship. Measuring 190 by 120 centimeters (roughly 6 feet 3 inches by 3 feet 11 inches), it is the perfect size for a narrow living area, a hallway runner, a study, alongside a bed, or even as a striking wall tapestry. The rug is woven entirely from hand-spun sheep’s wool using natural, organic dyes, and its age is beautifully reflected in a soft, mellow patina and a gentle “abrash” (natural color banding) that authenticates its handmade origins.
The design layout of this Zanjan rug is a quintessential “medallion and corner”composition, characterized by an asymmetrical yet deeply balanced arrangement. The field is anchored by two large, distinct diamond-shaped medallions arranged vertically in a staggered layout—one positioned toward the upper third of the rug, and the other occupying the lower half. The upper medallion is a larger, predominantly ivory, stepped diamond with a complex, serrated edge and a radiant central core. The lower medallion contrasts beautifully; it features a terracotta red exterior with a teal blue center, framed by intricate geometric borders. At each of the four corners of the dark blue field, there are quarter-medallion spandrels that echo the stepped, triangular shapes of the central motifs, effectively anchoring the design within its frame. The field is not empty; rather, it is populated by an “all-over” scattering of small, intricate motifs—stylized rosettes, stars, and small geometric clusters—that fill the negative space with visual texture.
The motifs in this Zanjan rug are overwhelmingly geometric, reflecting the bold, angular aesthetic of northwestern Iranian village weaving. The large diamond medallions feature heavily stepped or serrated edges—a signature of this region—and contain inner lattices of smaller diamonds, stars, and tiny floral centers. The field is scattered with eight-pointed stars, which symbolize light and the four directions, as well as small “S-hook” motifsand comb-like shapes. The corner spandrels are bold, triangular elements with jagged, hook-like edges that mirror the central medallions. The main border is wide and ornate, featuring an ivory ground with a repeating “flower and vine” or “octagonal rosette” pattern, where colorful geometric flowers are connected by stylized, meandering stems. The guard borders—thin, narrow bands flanking the main border—are woven with alternating chevron, diamond, and zigzag patterns, providing a structured, protective frame around the intricate inner field.
Age: 80 years old (circa mid-1940s), true vintage/antique.
Size: 190 x 120 cm (6’3″ x 3’11”), ideal for a hallway, study, bedroom, or wall display.
Material: 100% hand-spun sheep’s wool with natural, organic vegetable dyes.
Colors: Deep indigo/navy blue field, ivory/cream main border, terracotta red and teal blue medallions, with golden yellow, forest green, and salmon pink accents.
Design: Classic “Medallion and Corner” layout with a staggered arrangement of two large, stepped diamond medallions.
Pattern: Serrated diamond medallions with geometric interiors; all-over field with eight-pointed stars, rosettes, and S-hooks; wide main border with repeating floral rosettes.
Symbolism: Sun/Moon duality (two medallions), Protective “teeth”/latch-hooks (ward off the Evil Eye), Light/Guidance (stars), Night sky (blue field), Purity (ivory border).
Condition: Excellent antique condition with even, low pile; secure, straight edges; and full, intact fringes.
Abrash: Natural color variation across the field, confirming authentic hand-prepared natural dyes.
Versatility: Perfect for narrow spaces, hallways, alongside a bed, or as a statement wall tapestry.