Signed, Persian Ravar Kerman Rug at Essie Carpets, Mayfair London

Fine Persian Ravar Kerman Pictorial Rug – Nadir Shah Afshar

Rug #870

Size: 213 x 137 cm / 7 x 4.5 ft

Handwoven in: Kerman, Iran

Age: Antique

Design: Pictorial

Materials: Wool Pile

Category: Rugs & Carpets

POA

Signed, Persian Ravar Kerman Rug Pictorial Wool Pile

The inscription medallion, reading: ‘Nadir Shah Afshar’

This Persian Kerman Ravar pictorial rug displays a characteristic scene depicting Nadir Shah Afshar, (Tahmasp Qoli Khan), Ruler of Persia (1736-1747). He features frequently in pictorial subject matter, likely due to the fact that he was a brilliantly successful military commander and as such a famous protector of Persia. The composition, in two layers is a frequently seen format in such pictorial rugs. The presence of central ascending flowering vines invariably supports the subject matter, symbolic with eternal life. It is feasible that this subject matter would have been taken from a book illustration, as is often the case in pictorial rug subject matter.

The drawing of the figures in this Persian Kerman Ravar pictorial rug typically gives sufficient detail to identify at very least the main figure. The colours used are from a characteristic Kerman Ravar palette, and used to great effect in this Kerman Ravar pictorial rug. The ivory background colour is a magnificent colour choice to offset the carefully chosen strong and pale shades used to create the scene. The contrast of red next to ivory beige and brown shades ensures that the figures are presented to maximum artistic effect and with sufficient shading, notable in the clothing, gives depth and sufficient sense of realism to the figures. Similar effective shading is seen in the animals in the border, maintaining consistency in representation. Supporting portrait medallions as seen in the border are not always present in these figural rugs though when present add a supporting historical context to the rug. This Persian Kerman Ravar pictorial rug, is a superb example of type and origin and is an example from a significant group which represent a historical statement of the time in woven form.

Signed, Persian Ravar Kerman Rug. This piece was handwoven in Kerman , Iran. For further information please contact us and our team will be pleased to assist you. All pieces in the collection are under the auspices of Essie Sakhai, one of the world’s foremost experts and collectors of fine handmade Persian rugs and carpets.

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