The articulation of the medallions is crisper, more finely linear, and open, the highest grade in terms of weave, and very probably the oldest type in terms of age.
This rare example on an ivory ground dates from 1870-1880 with beautiful natural dyes we associate with these early tribal carpets. Serapi carpet weavers frequently used large areas of un-dyed wool, these ivory off-white tones provide amazing contrasts to the wider range of beautiful vegetable dyes. The large geometric leaves and subtle medallion motif are sublime with pale greens, rust brick tones and muted blues.
Heriz carpets are generally coarser carpets than Serapi with as few as 30 knots per square inch. They also have a deeply depressed warp structure with a markedly ribbed back surface. Since the early twentieth century they have come to make use of light blue cotton wefting. Serapis, in contrast, have a higher knot count, sometimes attaining 80 knots per square inch. Their backs are relatively flat, and they have ivory cotton wefting. Generally they have a softer handle than Heriz, and they are thinner. On the whole, it appears that what we call Serapi carpets are simply the oldest, most well-designed, and finely woven Heriz carpets.
The Heriz region produced exceptional hand-woven carpets and rug by Azerbaijan Turkish inhabitants close to the city of Heris in North-West Persia. They are famous among designers and collectors because of their vivid geometric designs and stunning vegetable dyes with soft earthly tones.
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