Antique Persian Kerman Carpet — 1910s | 11'3" x 14'2"

The Elaheh's oversized center medallion has a scalloped trefoil contour, marked at either end by double-tiered finials that add height and structure to the composition. Ram's-horn scrolled arabesque corner spandrels are directed inward toward the medallion, sitting atop an open, abrashed ground. For more on medallion and spandrel motifs, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The main border features a lotus flower cross-section interconnected with meandering vine throughout, framing the field with organic continuity. The palette is soft and neutral: beige, sand, sandalwood, dusty sky blue, navy blue, antique ivory, pale coffee brown, dusty denim blue, and dusty powder blue. Explore more Kerman pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 11'3" x 14'2", the Elaheh is a grand, gallery-scale piece, ideal for formal living rooms and dining rooms where its exceptional age and scale can be fully appreciated.

Kerman, in southeastern Persia, is one of the country's most celebrated weaving centers, historically renowned for exceptional design sophistication, fine knotting, and a distinctive palette favoring soft, layered neutrals over the deeper saturated tones common elsewhere in Persian weaving. Kerman workshops were particularly known for elaborate medallion and vine-work compositions like the lotus and meandering vine border seen here.

Woven circa the 1910s, the Elaheh is a rare and well-preserved example of this tradition, now well over a century old. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Kerman collection.

Elaheh means "goddess" in Persian.

The name reflects the rug's commanding scale and its exceptional age—a piece that has presided over interiors for well over a century, carrying itself with the quiet authority its namesake implies.

Elaheh captures the Kerman tradition at its most majestic: soft in palette, grand in scale, and remarkably enduring.

• Primary material: Natural wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Traditional dyes with abrash
• Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
• Condition: Antique condition — see Condition Details

Given its exceptional age, this rug shows areas of wear to pile, knot heads, and foundation. Most original side cord selvages are intact or have been sympathetically restored, and sides and ends are fully secured.

One end measures 10'11", while the opposing end measures 11'3". This variation is within normal margins for hand-knotted rugs of this type, age, and size.

Some localized areas have received professional color correction, a common and accepted restoration practice for antique pieces of this caliber.

Recently professionally cleaned and ready for immediate in-home use.

Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid rotating brushes or beater bars.

Use a quality rug pad to reduce movement and provide support.

Rotate periodically to encourage even wear. For deep cleaning, consult a professional experienced with antique Persian carpets.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Antique Kerman weavings like the Elaheh are unique in drawing, dye variation, and wear pattern, and are exceptionally rare at this age.

Has this rug had color correction?
Yes, some localized areas have received professional color correction, a common and accepted conservation practice for antique rugs of this caliber.

Why do the two ends measure differently?
A 4" variation between ends is normal for hand-knotted rugs of this age and size, and does not affect the rug's use or lay-flat quality.