The brilliant Red field bears a central Ray of Life and many highly abstracted floral shapes in this fascinating antique Heriz rug. Four flower blossoms cluster at different points along the mid-lines, separated by riyu symbols in the shape of arrows. The patterns carry blue, pink and white colors. A broad navy border presents scrolled geometric shapes. Three separate, narrow guard borders frame the border, each carrying a geometric pattern. Heriz is a community in Northwestern persia famed for producing extremely long lasting carpet and rugs, items that often pass down from one generation to another during many years. These antique rugs possess a coarse, durable consistency. The type of rugs made in Heriz are also sometimes produced in other places, including Bakhshaish and Gorevan. The highest grade of rug from the Heriz area is the Serapi, which was made around the turn of the Twentieth Century. Most Heriz rug contain prominent knots but the Serapi are describes as smoother.
