Black Persian rugs are very rare, but even more unique to this masterpiece is that the whites on the rug are made from raw silk. 
 
The master draftsman, Ali Zarei, who created this and the one immediately next to it is reportedly a bit on the eccentric side; legend has it that he would create magnificent drawings for his rugs, weave two rugs from each drawing, and then burn the drawings so that no other copies could be woven.
 
Based on the traditional “tree of life” and “hunting” designs of Persian court carpets of yesteryear.  Like the square rug (3467), the white outlines are made from raw silk.  Also of note in both rugs is the fine weave as expected from a great workshop.

3242 Isphahan