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46
Kashan Mohtashem Relief Pictorial Rug
New
237 x 152 cm (7' 9" x 5')
Persia, early 20th century
Condition: very good, full pile, minor small repairs at the top, slightly stained on the back
Warp: cotton, weft: cotton, pile: wool
To some, the figurative depiction of people on Persian carpets may seem strange at first, given the common assumption that Islam prohibits images. The reality, however, is far more nuanced. Since the 16th century, Shi'ite Islam has been the state religion of Persia, and figurative representations have continued to play a significant role in Persian art. Velvets, embroideries, and other textiles dating back to the Safavid period have been preserved, depicting figures from mythical tales and Persian poetry. Under European influence, oil painting eventually gained great significance in the 18th and, especially, the 19th century during the Qajar dynasty.
On our carpet, an elegant lady, apparently drinking wine, sits on a regal throne crowned by minaret-like turrets. She wears a dress made of Kani fabric - the Persian variant of cashmere weaving - as well as a precious cloak adorned with animal motifs that falls from her head. Over this, she wears a peacock-feather headdress in the shape of a boteh, which indicates her high, possibly royal, rank. Above her - amusingly depicted upside down - is a peacock in a tree. Trimmed cypress trees rise from a paradisiacal garden in which fish, gazelles, goats, and a winged lion frolic peacefully together.
A carpet with an almost identical design was advertised by the Kaminski auction house in HALI 165, p. 13. There, however, the depicted figure is not seated on a throne but in front of a small table on which there is another bottle and a bowl of fruit. In the description from that time, the figure is identified as Noor Ali. This identification, however, seems questionable, as Noor Ali is depicted as a dervish and usually appears with a pipe in such portraits. It is therefore impossible to determine with certainty who is actually depicted on our carpet. The courtly setting, the throne, and the elaborate peacock feather adornments, however, clearly point to a high-ranking figure. Regardless of the figure's identity, the sophisticated design and masterful weaving of this wonderful carpet impressively attest to the artistry of Persian weavers.
Estimate: € 12000 - 16000
Persia, early 20th century
Condition: very good, full pile, minor small repairs at the top, slightly stained on the back
Warp: cotton, weft: cotton, pile: wool
To some, the figurative depiction of people on Persian carpets may seem strange at first, given the common assumption that Islam prohibits images. The reality, however, is far more nuanced. Since the 16th century, Shi'ite Islam has been the state religion of Persia, and figurative representations have continued to play a significant role in Persian art. Velvets, embroideries, and other textiles dating back to the Safavid period have been preserved, depicting figures from mythical tales and Persian poetry. Under European influence, oil painting eventually gained great significance in the 18th and, especially, the 19th century during the Qajar dynasty.
On our carpet, an elegant lady, apparently drinking wine, sits on a regal throne crowned by minaret-like turrets. She wears a dress made of Kani fabric - the Persian variant of cashmere weaving - as well as a precious cloak adorned with animal motifs that falls from her head. Over this, she wears a peacock-feather headdress in the shape of a boteh, which indicates her high, possibly royal, rank. Above her - amusingly depicted upside down - is a peacock in a tree. Trimmed cypress trees rise from a paradisiacal garden in which fish, gazelles, goats, and a winged lion frolic peacefully together.
A carpet with an almost identical design was advertised by the Kaminski auction house in HALI 165, p. 13. There, however, the depicted figure is not seated on a throne but in front of a small table on which there is another bottle and a bowl of fruit. In the description from that time, the figure is identified as Noor Ali. This identification, however, seems questionable, as Noor Ali is depicted as a dervish and usually appears with a pipe in such portraits. It is therefore impossible to determine with certainty who is actually depicted on our carpet. The courtly setting, the throne, and the elaborate peacock feather adornments, however, clearly point to a high-ranking figure. Regardless of the figure's identity, the sophisticated design and masterful weaving of this wonderful carpet impressively attest to the artistry of Persian weavers.
Estimate: € 12000 - 16000