Persian Shiraz / Lori Pile Rug

Madder red and midnight blue, in argument at the center, with no sign of a settlement.

This Shiraz / Lori pile rug is from Persia, present day Iran, early 20th century, in wool and cotton. Rugs in this group take their names from the Shiraz market and the Lori tribal weavers, who made sturdy, boldly drawn pile rugs for their homes and for trade. Here a dark hooked medallion anchors an orange-red field, between stepped navy corners filled with small geometric figures. Small rosettes run along the border in gold and rose. Six feet long and a little over four wide.

The color does most of the heating in winter.