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Lot Essay
The knot count measures approximately 7V x 7H per cm. sq.
The design of the present lot is very closely related to a small group of silk rugs bearing a central ogival medallion from whose centre four tendrils spring and issue serrated split palmettes. Of the group, one with a pale ice-blue field, sold in these Rooms, 30 April 1992, lot 410 and again on 16 October 1997, lot 90. Although very worn, it bore a date in the inscription cartouche of AH 1231/1815-16 AD. Another of the group that remained in much better condition than that example, had the addition of metal-thread highlights. It bore a series of finely executed inscription cartouches within its border together with the signature of the weaver, 'amal' (the work of) 'Rajab', (sold in these Rooms, 15 April 2010, lot 76). The inscriptions were specially composed verses that contained a eulogy to the patron, explaining how the rug would only thrive when sufficiently close to him or in his shadow, and similar sentiments. There is a reference to Husayn, but that may not be any indicator of the owner's name. Unfortunately the wear and damage to the inscription on the present rug, within the lower cartouche, has rendered it illegible apart from the word, mizan, 'scales'. This is further supported by the image of a pair of scales that enclose the signature, which suggests that this rug had likely been commissioned by a senior figure within the judicial system.
This design gave rise to a prolific number of larger wool carpets later in the 19th century, proving to be Heriz's most popular motif. Right at the end of the same century the same basic design, continued to be woven in silk as well as wool. A particularly spectacular example was a rug reputedly commissioned for Muzaffar al-Din Shah, signed by Humi and dated 1897, that sold in these Rooms 13 April 2000, lot 150.
Silk rugs of the Fath 'Ali Shah period are very rare indeed and while in need of some restorative attention, it is clear that the present rug was a special commission for an important individual.
The design of the present lot is very closely related to a small group of silk rugs bearing a central ogival medallion from whose centre four tendrils spring and issue serrated split palmettes. Of the group, one with a pale ice-blue field, sold in these Rooms, 30 April 1992, lot 410 and again on 16 October 1997, lot 90. Although very worn, it bore a date in the inscription cartouche of AH 1231/1815-16 AD. Another of the group that remained in much better condition than that example, had the addition of metal-thread highlights. It bore a series of finely executed inscription cartouches within its border together with the signature of the weaver, 'amal' (the work of) 'Rajab', (sold in these Rooms, 15 April 2010, lot 76). The inscriptions were specially composed verses that contained a eulogy to the patron, explaining how the rug would only thrive when sufficiently close to him or in his shadow, and similar sentiments. There is a reference to Husayn, but that may not be any indicator of the owner's name. Unfortunately the wear and damage to the inscription on the present rug, within the lower cartouche, has rendered it illegible apart from the word, mizan, 'scales'. This is further supported by the image of a pair of scales that enclose the signature, which suggests that this rug had likely been commissioned by a senior figure within the judicial system.
This design gave rise to a prolific number of larger wool carpets later in the 19th century, proving to be Heriz's most popular motif. Right at the end of the same century the same basic design, continued to be woven in silk as well as wool. A particularly spectacular example was a rug reputedly commissioned for Muzaffar al-Din Shah, signed by Humi and dated 1897, that sold in these Rooms 13 April 2000, lot 150.
Silk rugs of the Fath 'Ali Shah period are very rare indeed and while in need of some restorative attention, it is clear that the present rug was a special commission for an important individual.