Hamadan Medallion Ivory

The Hamadan weaving district of western Iran — encompassing dozens of villages across the Hamedan province — is among the most prolific tribal weaving regions in the Persian world, producing robust, single-wefted pile rugs distinguished by bold geometric drawing, honest village colour, and a directness of expression rarely found in court or city traditions.

This piece presents a commanding elongated medallion in tobacco brown and madder rose, its serrated hexagonal form filled with diagonal barber-pole striping and anchored by a lattice-core central rosette, all set against a generous open ivory field that lends the composition exceptional air and legibility; scattered star rosettes and angular motifs populate the ivory surround, while at the upper field a pair of geometric cruciform devices signals the characteristic Hamadan horror vacui restrained by the weaver's confident hand.

The border system is well-articulated — a deep navy main border carrying repeating geometric cartouches and stylised floral blocks, bracketed by reciprocal guard stripes in burnt orange and ivory — providing a firm visual frame without overwhelming the central drama. Burnt orange accents punctuate the palette throughout, giving the piece a warmth that reads as both archaic and immediate, suited to interiors that value material honesty over decorative refinement.