Rug No. 172564

Semi Antique Benlian Tabriz rug in a remarkable rendition of the hunting “Shikargah” design on a rare pale green ground. The upper right corner bears the Benlian Workshop eight pointed star insignia that reads “Mahmud Jabbarzadeh - Ghali Bafian”. Benlian rugs like this one are 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: 10'10"x14'0''

Age: 1950

Origin: Tabriz, Northwestern Iran

Materials: Hand knotted wool pile on a cotton foundation.

Condition: Nearly perfect original condition with soft lustrous full pile over the whole rug. Retains the original side cord finish. Only sign of use is some wear to the fringes. Ready to enjoy and suitable for normal everyday use. Professionally hand washed.