An Exceptionally Fine Persian Tabriz Hunting Scene Rug

Since the 16th century the city of Tabriz has been an important historical centre for the production of outstanding and significant decorative handmade Persian carpets.

Historically Tabriz, primarily due to Geographical location has always attracted a multi-cultural populace, which over time has resulted in a huge and varied repertoire of design styles of ‘medallion’ and overall repeat patterns, pictorial rugs including hunting scenes influenced by Persian history, verse and mythology. The weavers of Tabriz are well known for their skill and ability to adapt to evolving demands. From the ‘Golden Age’ of carpet art creativity of the 17th Century, Tabriz has maintained continuity in pursuit of excellence and due to increase of interest and demand for ‘all things Eastern’ in Western markets from the late 19th century the talented Tabriz weavers responded accordingly. The considerable increase in demand from the late 19th Century onwards is often referred to as the ‘Revival’, and by the time of the Pahlavi dynasty, established in 1925, the ‘Revival’ was well under way. Persian Tabriz carpets made at this time and moving forward to the present day display designs  based on 17th century ‘Safavid’ carpet designs and also ingenious new styles of design based on wider influences and the desire to be adventurist.

This exceptionally fine Persian Tabriz rug is a magnificent example of Persian ‘revivalist’ weaving, presenting a hunting scene from the verses of the Persian poet Ferdowsi. The depiction includes the Bahram Gor (Bahram V), specifically from Ferdowsis’ famous literary work ‘Shahnameh’ (Book of Kings) identified in the finely woven nastaliq script in the border cartouches. Bahram Gor, (Bahram V) was the Sasanian King of Kings, (Shahanshah) from 420 to 438. Bahram is in Islamic-era literature often known by the epithet of Gur/Gōr (Jur in Arabic sources), meaning “onager/wild ass”, seemingly due to his fondness of hunting the animal. The onager was the fastest animal in the deserts of Central Asia Central Asia even causing difficulties for an experienced rider to catch it. The mounted hunters are drawn with exceptional detail showing the animals and figures given depth by contrasting colour shading. The scene is given a high degree of realism as the animals and hunters are shown in varying orientations giving a remarkable sense of movement and fluidity to the artistic composition.  The colours are in the main are soft and pastel in tone, consistent with 20th century ‘Pahlavi’ woven artistry. The pattern elements are uncrowded which gives an open airy appearance.

This Pictorial Persian Tabriz rug is an accomplished work of woven art of the highest technical quality woven with close cropped Kork wool, with silk highlighting allowing for extreme detailing to be created.

This wonderful Persian Tabriz  rug represents a superb example of the pictorial genre, made by highly talented, experienced weavers.

Discover more information in Persian Tabriz Carpets and Rugs: The Fabric of Life by Essie Sakhai