c1910s Antique Geometric Persian Serapi Rug 9.4x11.6

Serapi is a trade name given to better quality versions of Heriz rugs thought to have been woven before 1900. Such rugs are sometimes called Serapi Heriz. Their most famous design consists of a very large diamond medallion or a star-like floral medallion with eight petals and corners very similar to the centerpiece medallion. These corners are sometimes square or rectangular. The pattern is almost always geometric. Usually the background is very crowded. however, sometimes they have a plain background, especially the older rugs. Although not as common, some Heriz rugs have an all-over layout often with geometric floral motifs such the shah abbasi and less frequently curvilinear floral motifs. The favorite colors of Serapi rug weavers consist of brownish red, light and dark pink, light and dark blue and ivory. Blue is normally used to add contrast.