"I once asked a bird, how is it that you fly in this gravity of darkness? The bird responded love lifts me.'"

• Hafez (1350-1390 AD)

Persian poems and mystic scripts abound with metaphors, where birds, trees, wine, and more serve as analogies to describe profound subjects like mystical transcendence. Many weavers and designers from the past were raised within a deeply spiritual culture. The recitation of poems by Hafez, Rumi, Khayyam, and other eminent Persian poets was a cornerstone of entertainment at any gathering.

The enduring influence of this rich cultural backdrop is a fundamental element that defines antique Persian carpets as they are: timeless works of art that sing and dance for those who can comprehend their language.

The Tehran rug here is a fascinating example of such carpets from the late 19th century, beautifully arousing a feeling of an upward movement.