Very rare antique prayer rug of fine Persian urban manufacture, from Tehran or even Kashan (probably Mohtasham school, of high quality) in silk on warp and weft also in silk, with a very fine density of asymmetrical Persian/Senneh knots.
Material: Silk on silk, asymmetrical Persian knots, fineness approx. 8 horizontal × 9–10 vertical = 72–80 knots/cm² (470–510 kpsi); with a delicate abrash and a typical purplish red in an ensemble of great harmony, typical of the Persian typology of the capital.
In excellent condition, never restored, with truly minimal signs of wear compatible with the type and era. Fringes present and in good condition. The carpet is datable from 1880 to the very early years to 1910 c.a. Measurements: Cm. 168x118. Colors: Wide chromatic range with a predominance of red, dark blue, ivory, ochre and sage green. Upon visual examination, with the use of natural dyes.
High-quality Persian silk carpet, made precisely in the Tehran or Kashan area, in the vicinity; characterized by a central decoration dominated by a large flowering vase from which a rich tree of life develops.
The design is set symmetrically and extends vertically along the central axis. The dark blue background (upon visual examination, likely natural indigo) serves as a backdrop to a dense network of flowers, branches, leaves, and plant motifs finely executed in shades of red, antique pink, ochre, ivory, and olive green. The main border is wide, decorated with floral and ribbon-like motifs, flanked by smaller borders.
Symbolic analysis:
The iconographic theme is that of the "flowering vase with the tree of life", traditional in Persian textile art. Well-centered, with a symmetrical bilateral design, very rich in flowers and branches. This theme is closely connected to the Persian tradition and has very strong spiritual and symbolic values. The vase represents the source of creation, while the tree that starts from it symbolizes eternal life, spiritual ascent, and the cosmic harmony that unites the earthly world with the spiritual one.
The flowers, roses, peonies, and carnations, symbolize love, beauty, prosperity, and renewal. Two birds facing each other on opposite branches can be seen, reinforcing the symmetry and having a symbolic meaning (heavenly souls, love, peace).
Concluding remarks:
The carpet has typical characteristics of valuable artifacts produced in the Tehran region between the 19th and 20th centuries (1880-1910 c.a), in particular in the use of naturalistic motifs and attention to detail. From the admirable conditions of conservation, never restored.
The design is very defined, and this is an indication of tight and refined knotting. The residual brilliance of the silk is clearly visible, especially in the floral areas and borders. The main border, with complex curvilinear and floral motifs, indicates a high level of craftsmanship and recalls classic borders of Tehran and Kashan carpets from the late 19th century.
The quality of the silk and the refined execution indicate a decorative and representative rather than functional use. For representative environments, living rooms or bourgeois or aristocratic reception rooms. The presence of silk in both the pile and the structure makes it a luxury product intended for elite environments. The carpets of Tehran of this type, on a midnight blue background and with elaborate frames, typical of the workshops of the capital under the Qajar influence, were intended for a refined and cultured clientele, often destined for export or local aristocratic palaces.
In accordance with the stipulations of the New Code of Cultural Heritage, the selling company provides simultaneously to the sale detailed written photographic guarantee of originality and provenance of the sold works. The data with which the works are described and then contained in the written warranties are expressed determinations resulting from accurate and documented technical/historical/artistic investigations, even of expert assessment.