Antique full-silk Kerman rug, Persia. A unique masterpiece with an impressive depiction of fruit-trees and a wide variety of creatures from the animal kingdom on ivory field, surrounded by an unusual main border of animals and signed portraits showing male figures of different nationalities (Roman, European, Persian, American, Turkish, Australian, Indian, Chinese, Arabian). Foundation of saffron-coloured silk warp. Approx. 700.000 kn. pr. sqm. Signed (Lower end): By order of Behjat-Al-Mulk, designed by Farsanate- Shirazi, Made by Abulqasem, Kerman. Signed (Upper end): Made by Abulqasem Kerman 1326. Dated 1326/1908. 270×164 cm.
Provenance: Danish private collection.Partial worned fringes otherwise perfect condition.Related examples:Sotheby´s, London. April 2007, Lot 16. Christie´s , London. October 2003, Lot 99. And a third ex. at the Tehran Carpet Museum, Iran. (Hali 1/1, 1978 pl. IV)
Decorative art and carpets, 6 December 2007