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Lot Essay
The knot count measures approximately 8V x 8H per cm. sq.
The complex design of a composite camel with his herder is inspired by the fashionable composite miniature paintings which were prevalent in India and Persia in the 16th century onwards. Painted representations of different animals, or animals and humans, were combined to form a larger image within the painting. A 16th century Safavid miniature in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, (Acc.no 25.83.6) shows a similar arrangement of a camel comprising demons (divs), dervishes, embracing couples, rabbits, dragons, and even a Buddhist monk, sporting an earring and carrying a khakkhara (sounding) staff. The fashion for composite drawings continued well into the 19th century, as seen in a Qajar pen and ink drawing signed by Sattar Tabrizi, sold Bonhams, 26 October 2020, lot 32. That drawing and the present rug are very similar in design; the human figures in both have been replaced by three larger 'demon' like figures and the form of the camel is constructed entirely of animal forms such as wolves, bears, rabbits, dragons and snakes.
For a Safavid 16th century painted miniature of a composite camel, see lot 56 in the present sale.
The complex design of a composite camel with his herder is inspired by the fashionable composite miniature paintings which were prevalent in India and Persia in the 16th century onwards. Painted representations of different animals, or animals and humans, were combined to form a larger image within the painting. A 16th century Safavid miniature in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, (Acc.no 25.83.6) shows a similar arrangement of a camel comprising demons (divs), dervishes, embracing couples, rabbits, dragons, and even a Buddhist monk, sporting an earring and carrying a khakkhara (sounding) staff. The fashion for composite drawings continued well into the 19th century, as seen in a Qajar pen and ink drawing signed by Sattar Tabrizi, sold Bonhams, 26 October 2020, lot 32. That drawing and the present rug are very similar in design; the human figures in both have been replaced by three larger 'demon' like figures and the form of the camel is constructed entirely of animal forms such as wolves, bears, rabbits, dragons and snakes.
For a Safavid 16th century painted miniature of a composite camel, see lot 56 in the present sale.