Provenance and Workshop Heritage

The workshop of Haji Jalili (also spelled Hadschi Jalili) operated in Tabriz between approximately 1880 and 1915 and is one of the better-known names in Persian weaving history. Haji Jalili pieces are associated with the use of kork wool — a fine wool taken from the neck of the sheep — a precise botanical floral idiom, and a restrained palette.

This piece was hand-knotted in Tabriz between 1890 and 1910, making it over 110 years old. The composition follows the classical Haji Jalili language: a finely drawn floral field around a stepped central medallion, with clear, orderly drawing. The piece retains its original selvedge.

Colour and Composition

The palette is built on a luminous ivory field, drawn with a dense botanical scrollwork in muted rust and salmon, sage-green and olive-gold, with pale light-blue floral accents. A stepped central medallion anchors the field, its core in deep brown-aubergine. The composition is framed by a taupe-brown main border of palmettes and vine. The whole reads as a restrained, harmonious register; the colours have mellowed over more than a century into a soft patina.

Presence in the Room

At 126 × 172 cm (2.2 m²) this is a small format — a piece for focused placement and personal use. Three contexts in which it comes into its own:

• Library or study: beside a writing desk or beneath a reading chair, the fine drawing adds depth without competing with bookshelves and panelling.
• Entrance hall or salon: beneath a console or in a small reception area.
• Wall: mounted on a wall, the piece functions as textile art — the finely drawn pattern rewards close viewing.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Haji Jalili?
Haji Jalili ran a Tabriz workshop from roughly 1880 to 1915. The workshop is known for its botanical drawing and restrained palettes.

What is kork wool?
Kork (or kurk) wool is a fine, soft wool from the neck of the sheep. It was commonly used in higher-grade Tabriz production and develops a characteristic lustre over time.

How should an antique rug of this age be cared for?
Vacuum gently at reduced power without a beater bar, in the direction of the pile. Use an anti-slip underlay on smooth floors, and rotate periodically to even out light and wear. For cleaning, only professional hand washing by a workshop experienced with antique pieces — never dry cleaning; see our professional rug cleaning service. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight.

Djoharian — Since 1967

With roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade, Djoharian has specialised in antique rugs since 1967. On 1stDibs we have been a Recognized Dealer since 2013. Djoharian is also a Label STEP certified dealer for fair-trade knotted rugs (new production).

Service and Delivery

Every piece is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main before dispatch. We offer secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.