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Lot Essay
The knot count measures approximately 9V x 9H knots per cm. sq.
The design of the present lot is very closely related to a small group of silk rugs bearing a central ogival medallion from whose centre four large-scale tendrils spring and issue serrated split palmettes. Of the group, one with a pale ice-blue field sold in these Rooms, 30 April 1992, lot 410 and again on 16 October 1997, lot 90. Although very worn, it bore a date in the inscription cartouche of AH 1231 / 1815-16 AD. Another of the group, that remained in much better condition than that example, had the addition of metal-thread highlights. It bore a series of finely executed inscription cartouches within its border together with the signature of the weaver, 'amal' (the work of) 'Rajab', (sold in these Rooms, 15 April 2010, lot 76). The inscriptions were specially composed verses that contained a eulogy to the patron, explaining how the rug would only thrive when sufficiently close to him or remain in his shadow, and similar sentiments. There is a reference to Husayn, but that may not be any indicator of the owner's name.
This design gave rise to a prolific number of larger wool carpets later in the 19th century, proving to be Heriz's most popular motif, (see lot 167 in the present sale). Right at the end of the same century, the same basic design continued to be woven in silk as well as wool. A particularly spectacular example was reputedly commissioned for Muzaffar al-Din Shah, signed by Humi and dated 1897, that sold in these Rooms 13 April 2000, lot 150.
The design of the present lot is very closely related to a small group of silk rugs bearing a central ogival medallion from whose centre four large-scale tendrils spring and issue serrated split palmettes. Of the group, one with a pale ice-blue field sold in these Rooms, 30 April 1992, lot 410 and again on 16 October 1997, lot 90. Although very worn, it bore a date in the inscription cartouche of AH 1231 / 1815-16 AD. Another of the group, that remained in much better condition than that example, had the addition of metal-thread highlights. It bore a series of finely executed inscription cartouches within its border together with the signature of the weaver, 'amal' (the work of) 'Rajab', (sold in these Rooms, 15 April 2010, lot 76). The inscriptions were specially composed verses that contained a eulogy to the patron, explaining how the rug would only thrive when sufficiently close to him or remain in his shadow, and similar sentiments. There is a reference to Husayn, but that may not be any indicator of the owner's name.
This design gave rise to a prolific number of larger wool carpets later in the 19th century, proving to be Heriz's most popular motif, (see lot 167 in the present sale). Right at the end of the same century, the same basic design continued to be woven in silk as well as wool. A particularly spectacular example was reputedly commissioned for Muzaffar al-Din Shah, signed by Humi and dated 1897, that sold in these Rooms 13 April 2000, lot 150.