10x13 Persian Isfahan Wool Rug, Crimson Red Field, Floral Medallion with Animal and Bird Border

This exceptional 10x13 Persian Isfahan rug is a rare and distinguished example of classical Persian weaving at its finest, hand-knotted entirely by skilled artisans in the historic city of Isfahan, Iran. Its generous room-sized format makes it a natural anchor for a formal living room, dining room, or grand study, commanding attention the moment it is laid down. The rug is in excellent condition with a full, resilient wool pile and vibrant color retention that speaks to the quality of its natural dyes and masterful construction.

Design, Motifs and Patterns

The central field is dominated by a sweeping all-over floral arabesque composition that spirals outward from a luminous star-shaped medallion at its heart. Intricate vinery branches curl and cascade across the entire crimson ground, bearing an abundance of stylized blossoms, tulips, palmettes, and lotus flowers in a continuous flowing rhythm that fills every inch of the field with movement and life. What sets this rug apart from most Isfahan weavings is its extraordinary border, which features a procession of naturalistically rendered animals and birds, including deer, gazelles, rabbits, and long-tailed birds, woven into the warm ivory ground of the main border alongside sinuous blue floral scrollwork. This type of figurative animal border is a hallmark of the most prestigious and collectible Isfahan weavings, rooted in the royal hunting carpet tradition of Safavid Persia.

Colors and Their Placement

The dominant crimson red of the central field is deep, saturated, and warm, providing a bold and dramatic backdrop for the ivory and blue floral arabesques that dance across its surface. The central medallion transitions from the red field into a cooler ivory and navy palette, with a pale blush center and a teal green jewel at its very heart. The main border sits on a warm golden ivory ground, against which the brown and chocolate-toned animal figures stand out with quiet naturalism, surrounded by flowing steel blue and periwinkle scrollwork. Guard borders in navy blue carry small geometric repeat patterns in gold and ivory, while the outermost frame echoes the blue and ivory tones with a fine floral vine. Accents of sage green, amber, rust red, and caramel appear throughout both the field and border, adding richness and depth to the overall palette.

Isfahan Rugs with Animal and Bird Borders

Isfahan rugs featuring animal and bird motifs in the border represent one of the most historically significant and sought-after categories in Persian rug collecting. Drawing directly from the great royal hunting carpets of the Safavid dynasty, these figurative designs were reserved for the most accomplished weavers and the most discerning patrons. Today they are prized by collectors and interior designers alike for their rarity, narrative richness, and the exceptional level of artistry required to render living creatures with such naturalism within a hand-knotted pile. This piece is a genuine example of that tradition, offering both extraordinary beauty and lasting investment value.