- Type: Vintage Persian Viss Rug
- Origin: Vist village, Persia
- Materials: Hand knotted handspun wool pile on cotton foundation
- Age: 1950s
- Size: 4' 11" x 7' 5"
At the heart of this rug is a bold geometric medallion motif that immediately catches the eye. Set on a deep midnight-navy blue field, the central medallion is a multi-faceted hexagon with stepped, latch-hook edges, colored in a contrasting sky blue and outlined by crimson red serrations.
Smaller diamond-shaped medallion pendants extend from its top and bottom, creating the classic Viss arrangement of one primary medallion with two smaller finials. Flanking the center, you’ll notice angular hook motifs and serrated tribal ornaments in tomato-red stretching toward the field’s sides – these sharp geometric forms are a hallmark of Viss rugs. The four corners of the field hide tiny stylized animal figures – traditionally, Viss weavers include small mountain goats or rams in each corner as a nod to tribal folklore. These subtle corner motifs are an endearing hallmark of Vist village rugs, believed to symbolize strength and abundance in the weavers’ nomadic culture.
Woven in limited numbers by village weavers, rugs from Viss are highly sought after for their distinctive tribal artistry. Despite being around 70 years old, the rug remains in excellent condition – a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and the dense, high-quality wool that can last for generations.