Djoharian Collection · Antique
Antique Senneh Rug
145 × 110 cm · Blue, Red & Ivory
A fine antique Kurdish Senneh from Sanandaj, circa 1920 — hand-knotted in wool with a blue field, ivory medallion and red border.
Origin and Weaving Tradition
The Senneh rug takes its name from Senneh, the old name of Sanandaj, capital of the Kurdistan province in western Iran. Senneh is regarded as the home of the single (asymmetric) knot used at exceptionally high density, and the town has given its name to the "Senneh knot" recognised across the weaving world. Senneh pieces are prized among collectors for their fineness, their crisp drawing and the characteristic dry, thin handle of the pile.
This is a genuine antique piece, woven circa 1920 — roughly a century old. It was hand-knotted in wool on a cotton foundation by Kurdish weavers in the traditional manner, with the fine, even knotting that distinguishes Senneh work from coarser village weaving.
Colour and Composition
The rug carries a deep blue field centred on an ivory medallion, framed by a red border. The drawing is geometric in the Kurdish tradition, with the precise, small-scale detail that the high knot density of Senneh allows. The natural wool pile gives the colours a soft, slightly variegated depth that only age and hand-spun yarn produce.
Condition
Very good overall condition for its age. The pile is evenly low and consistent across the field, the fringes have been newly secured, and the rug retains its original shirazi (selvedge) finish. A sound, display-ready antique — a beautiful collector's piece and an authentic example of Kurdish weaving.
Presence in the Room
At 145 × 110 cm (1.6 m²) this is a versatile small format. Three settings in which it comes into its own:
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Entrance or hallway: a fine antique greets guests at the threshold and anchors an entry with colour and history.
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Bedroom accent: beside or at the foot of a bed, the soft wool pile and quiet medallion bring warmth to a private room.
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Study or collector's wall: small Senneh rugs are often shown as textile art — on a wall or over a chest — where the fineness of the knotting can be appreciated up close.
Specifications
| Dimensions |
145 × 110 cm (4 × 5 ft) — small format |
| Origin |
Senneh (Sanandaj), Kurdistan, western Iran |
| Age |
Antique, circa 1920 — approx. 100 years old |
| Weave |
Hand-knotted, single (Senneh) knot |
| Material (pile) |
100% wool |
| Material (warp) |
100% cotton |
| Design |
Geometric medallion, Kurdish tradition |
| Colours |
Blue field, ivory medallion, red border |
| Condition |
Very good; even pile, fringes newly secured, original shirazi |
| Reference |
#16542 |
Responsible Sourcing · Label STEP
Djoharian is a Label STEP certified dealer for fair-trade knotted rugs — a commitment to dignified working conditions and against child labour in rug production. Visit the Label STEP entry for Djoharian Teppiche →
Djoharian — Since 1967
Founded in 1967, with roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade. Each piece is carefully selected, inspected and presented with the documentation a discerning buyer expects.
Service and Delivery
Every piece in the Djoharian Collection is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main, professionally washed and shipped with a certificate of authenticity. Secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.
Since 1967 | Grand Carpet Bazaar Tehran | Label STEP Certified