Rare Tabriz Pictorial Rug

Name: Rare Tabriz Pictorial Rug
SKU: 1987
Availability: InStock

Rug #1987

Size: 145 x 207 cm / 4.8 x 6.8 ft

Age: Old

Design: Pictorial

Handwoven in: Tabriz, Iran

Materials: Wool on Cotton foundation

Category: Rugs & Carpets

POA

A rare Tabriz pictorial rug, Northwest Persia, wool on cotton foundation.

The shaded brown field with a king seated on a throne flanked by advisors supported by an inscription cartouche above two half-man, half -leopard kneeling beings, with a row of five standing figures below, framed within a pale blue border enclosing continuous flower heads linked by angular vines issuing leaves.

Pictorial rugs depicting figures are a significant genre of subject matter seen in rugs made following the ‘revival’ of Persian carpet production which began in the 1870’s onwards. Images of real or mythological historical figures appeared in rugs predominantly made in the major Persian city centres of rug production, namely, Kerman, Kashan, Tabriz, and Esfahan. Frequent subject matter included Eastern and European rulers and leaders, biblical figures, characters from legend, history, and poetry. The depictions are seen in varying degrees of realism depending on the skill or intentions of the weaver. Persian Tribal rugs also began to depict such figures and subject matter generally presented in a much more simplistic and naïve style of representation based on their own ancient traditions of rug pattern drawing.

This intriguing Tabriz pictorial rug displays an endearing naively drawn pictorial scene which would appear to show the mythical King Hushshang from the poem of Shahnameh, by Ferdowsi. He is depicted in an interior scene with supporting characters including symbols of good and evil. Such a scene is frequently depicted in pictorial rugs from the ‘revival’ period, though rarely seen so naively drawn in Tabriz pictorial rugs. Whilst the Tabriz weavers are particularly well known for creating finely detailed patterns, they are adept at creating patterns displaying powerful bold designs drawn in a style associated with more tribal traditions as can be seen in this pictorial scene. The figures are drawn in both a rectilinear simplistic style as well as in a more sophisticated curvilinear style and which could aptly be described as cartoon like in modern day terms. The contrasting dark and light tones of colour have been combined effectively rendering an appealing depiction. The pale blue border being of contrasting colour to the main pictorial scene acts as a superb frame.

This is a fine and rare Tabriz rug which displays a characteristic ‘revivalist’ pictorial scene. The design demonstrates the versatility of the skilled Tabriz weavers able to create varying styles of rug design to great artistic effect.

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