CENTRAL PERSIA, CIRCA 1890

Details

A PICTORIAL KASHAN 'MOHTASHAM' RUG
CENTRAL PERSIA, CIRCA 1890
Depicting the dervish Nur 'Ali Shah, overall very good condition
6ft.8in. x 4ft.5in. (204cm. x 135cm.)

Provenance

Received as a wedding gift in 1941, thence by descent

Further details

Some countries prohibit or restrict the purchase and/or import of Iranian-origin property. Bidders must familiarise themselves with any laws or shipping restrictions that apply to them before bidding on these lots. For example, the USA prohibits dealings in and import of Iranian-origin “works of conventional craftsmanship” (such as carpets, textiles, decorative objects, and scientific instruments) without an appropriate licence. Christie’s has a general OFAC licence which, subject to compliance with certain conditions, would enable a buyer to import this type of lot into the USA. If you intend to use Christie’s licence, please contact us for further information before you bid.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Sara Plumbly Director, Head of Department

splumbly@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2374

Lot Essay

The knot count measures approximately 8V x 8H per cm. sq.

The inscription cartouche in the field identifies the subject as Nur 'Ali Shah (d.1801), a mystical sufi poet who was one of the champions of the Ni'matullahi order during the Sufi revival of the Qajar period (Fellinger 2018, p.105). Images of this martyred young poet popularly adorned objects in different media, from drawings and paintings to lacquer and enamelware. Here, he is shown seated amongst a flowering garden with fruiting trees and perching birds. The domed hat, axe (tabarzin) and bowl (kashkul) are all associated with the typical attire of a dervish, (P. Tanavoli, Kings, Heroes & Lovers, London, 1994, fig.57 and fig. 58.) The inscriptions in the borders are Persian verses.

More from Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds including Rugs and Carpets

View All