An early 20th century Persian Tabriz rug, the black field with a bold trellis design of stylized palmettes and floral garland within a red quatrefoil medallion and serrated leaf border. Tabriz, the capital of the northwestern Iranian province of Azerbaijan, has for centuries enjoyed a great reputation as a center of Persian culture. Under the benign patronage of Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629), artists and artisans designed illuminated manuscripts, embroidered silks, painted miniatures and fabricated metal work in the Safavid style. It was in this fertile, creative atmosphere that the weavers of Tabriz Persian rugs for the Court were inspired to reach for new artistic heights and created exceptional oriental antique rugs and carpets. The art of carpet-weaving was handed down from generation to generation and considered a family treasure, allowing artists to ply a respected trade.