DescriptionVery rare and charming fine handmade antique 1940c Persian Ardabil runner. Size 9.1 x 3.11 feet, made of the finest quality baby lamb's wool pile on cotton foundation, all natural vegetable dye. This piece is adorned with a charming collection of geometrical objects on a deep blue background; center row of finely done medallions. This runner is an example of the melding of different types of textile production; Powerful and rich in culture which can define a room. The highest quality wool has been used weaving this enchanting piece by a tribal carpet weaver. A very nice looking hand woven in Ardabil, Iran with great variety in colors. It may take several months or several years for a weaver to complete an Ardabil rug. Ardabil is an important area for the production of tribal and village rugs. About Ardabil and a 14th century Saint: The carpet takes its name from the town of Ardabil in north-west Iran. Ardabil was the home to the shrine of the Sufi saint, Safi al-Din Ardabili, who died in 1334 (Sufism is Islamic mysticism). He was a Sufi leader who trained his followers in Islamic mystic practices. After his death, his following grew and his descendants became increasingly powerful. In 1501 one of his descendants, Shah Ismail, seized power, united Iran, and established Shi'a Islam as the official religion. The dynasty he founded is known as the Safavids. Their rule, which lasted until 1722, was one of the most important periods for Islamic art, especially for textiles and for manuscripts.