Rug No. 161551

Antique Benlian Tabriz rug in a remarkable rendition of the hunting design. The upper right corner bears the Benlian Workshop eight pointed star insignia that reads “Mahmud Jabbarzadeh - Ghali Bafian”. The early Benlian rugs like this one are very finely knotted using the highest quality hand spun wool in an unparalleled range of subtle colors. The artwork is based on designs found in 16th century Safavid royal court illustrated manuscripts, paintings, and extraordinary carpets, depicting animals and hunting scenes in nature. Our present example on its surface is a wonderous work of art, but each creature and tree also has a symbolic value in Middle Eastern mythology. A masterful palette of soft sophisticated colors illustrates a forest of cypress trees, flowering almond, acanthus, and pomegranate, while animated wolves, dragons, phoenix, lions, tigers, leopards, deer, and antelope, preserve natural order.

Size: 10'0"x13'5''

Age: 1925-1935

Origin: Tabriz, Northwestern Iran

Materials: Hand knotted wool pile on a cotton foundation.

Condition: Immaculate, virtually unused, original condition with soft lustrous pile over the whole rug. Retains the original side cord finish. Ready to enjoy and suitable for normal everyday use. Professionally hand washed.