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Lot Essay
The design of this carpet is known as a 'Triclinium' or 'Audience' carpet. The layout comprises the three main areas of the domestic Persian living room, the miyan farsh (main carpet) flanked by two kenareh (side panels or runners) and on one of its short sides by a kalleghi (known in the West as a kelleh) (see Jennifer Scarce, ‘The Role of Carpets within the 19th Century Persian Household’, HALI 24, 1984, pp.394-400, fig.11). One may thus imagine a communal gathering sitting within miyan farsh from where they would be able to recite the stanzaic verses of Sa'di.
Milani is one of a small number of Kirman workshops, along with Dimaqani and Salmassi amongst others, who seem to have worked more to the European market. Milani more than the others however worked with more traditional designs, but giving each a new and individual touch. This is seen in the large tree of life of the miyan farsh enclosed by a colourful and columned arch. Such weeping willow trees with white blossoms, often seen on Kirman carpets, are similar to those appearing in the arts of the 19th century Qajar courts (see lot 40 in this sale). Two carpets with the signature of Milani-Sho'ar were sold in these rooms. 8 October 2010, lot 74 and 212. While the latter was a finely woven silk example, the former was also of an impressive size such as the present lot, with a similar tree of life drawing at its centre, surrounded by similarly melodic and celebratory Persian verses.
A rare silk Heriz triclinium carpet was sold in these Rooms, lot 174. Two further examples from the Milani workshop were sold in these Rooms, 3 May 2001, lot 32, and 14 October 2004, lot 206.
Milani is one of a small number of Kirman workshops, along with Dimaqani and Salmassi amongst others, who seem to have worked more to the European market. Milani more than the others however worked with more traditional designs, but giving each a new and individual touch. This is seen in the large tree of life of the miyan farsh enclosed by a colourful and columned arch. Such weeping willow trees with white blossoms, often seen on Kirman carpets, are similar to those appearing in the arts of the 19th century Qajar courts (see lot 40 in this sale). Two carpets with the signature of Milani-Sho'ar were sold in these rooms. 8 October 2010, lot 74 and 212. While the latter was a finely woven silk example, the former was also of an impressive size such as the present lot, with a similar tree of life drawing at its centre, surrounded by similarly melodic and celebratory Persian verses.
A rare silk Heriz triclinium carpet was sold in these Rooms, lot 174. Two further examples from the Milani workshop were sold in these Rooms, 3 May 2001, lot 32, and 14 October 2004, lot 206.