Antique Persian silk and Metal Brocade Rug Circa 1920, Qum - Northern Persia, Silk and Metal Woven on Pure Silk Foundation, Size 1.46m x 1.04m In terms of the collection previewed by Ornamentum this rug more than any other perhaps exemplifies all of the splendour associated with carpet weaving in Persia throughout the ages of the 16th and 20th centuries. It has been woven in one of the most technically testing methods of weaving known with silk-metal brocade upon a silk foundation. This was a notoriously arduous and expensive process in which to weave rugs; indeed most of the greatest of Safavid carpets dotted around in the great private and public collections around the world are woven in such a way. To add to this rug’s appeal the design is that of a ‘prayer rug’ variant with a central vase farmed between the pillars and regal peacocks (the emblem of the Shah) flanking on either side.