Returning to the magnificent setting of the historic Medieval Hall from the 17th - 19th May, we will once again be showcasing some of the finest examples of hand-woven carpets Persia has to offer. Third generation Internationally renowned Rug specialist Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi has sourced a number of exceptional pieces that have survived centuries of use, to brilliant new modern rugs that have just come off the looms so there is something to please all tastes and budgets. Join us as we take you on a magical journey through the streets and bazaars of Persia all whilst being in the heart of Salisbury.
Our journey starts in the the rural town of Heris, the home of many of our favourite carpets. Travelling through the ancient ruins of the old Persian empire we come across husbands and wives weaving gorgeous rugs that would one day adorn the country homes of many aristocrats of Britain.
We travel a bit further south in the North West of Persia where we traverse the streets of Tabriz nimbly weaving through the ever expanding bazaar where we find all manner of wonders, from spices to fabrics and most importantly rugs. We will have gorgeous Tabriz Mahi rugs alongside pieces woven by renowned master weavers such as Mr Jabari.
Our journey continues as we head South through the villages of Seneh and Bijar the ancestral home of the kilim. We then head East in to the historic region of Mahallat in central Persia. Home to many of our favourite rugs, this county boasts the likes of Mahal, Sultanabad and Sarouq as rug weaving hubs where for centuries gorgeous and powerful rugs have started their journeys before adorning the manor homes of Europe and America.
We move South again and on to the province of Isfahan where we find the historic cities of Nain, Kashan and Isfahan. We enter the Naqsh-e Jahan Square in the centre of Isfahan and are greeted with a spectacular view of the cultural hub of the city, with the ancient Palace of Shah Abbas the great, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and for our journey the entrance to the ancient carpet Bazaar of Isfahan, this truly is an Aladdin’s cave of full of rugs, which we will be displaying all manner of wonders in our Salisbury exhibition.
We head further south through the historic city of Shiraz famed for its poetry, gardens and beauty, on to the ancient ruins of the Persepolis, the Palace of King Darius. We find stories of ancient civilizations and power houses of the world and move on to find the infamous Qashqai tribe - the last remaining nomadic tribe of Persia.
Upon finding them we open negotiations for some of their gorgeous pieces that are filled with history, woven by memory and hold a special place in the tribesmen homes. Bright colours, bold designs and thick woollen rugs are traded, and both sides leave with a sense of contentment. From this region we bring you hand selected Gabeh, Kashkoli and Qashqai rugs both new and old.
Join us from the 17th - 19th of May in the Medieval Hall, Salisbury and you will not be disappointed. With over 200 rugs on display from across Persia we have something for everyone to see and take a journey through the bazaars of Persia in the heart of the Cathedral City of Salisbury.