Story

This exceptional pictorial artwork dates from the first half of the 19th century. It is a staggering feat of Persian art: scenes of heroism and valor from Ferdowsi’s 1,000 year old epic poem 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙝𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙝 brought to life in Persian painting in the style of the royal court of Fath Ali Shah Qajar (1797–1834) and then recreated by a Kermani master weaver.

The whole composition is one lengthy and entire story of the royal sport of princes and kings: 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙜𝙖𝙣. Or, as we know it nowadays, Polo. Dozens of royal princes and courtiers engage in this game on horseback in the great outdoors. They are mostly wearing Qajar royal robes as was common in court painting in FAS’s reign. Apart from the Sassanid Shahanshah at the top right 👑

It’s likely to be the oldest Polo carpet in history, adding to its significance. A lot of action unfolds in the borders: a very long band of calligraphy all around the main field recounts the exploits of Siavash. These are verses directly culled from the Shahnameh, very elegantly inwoven and inscribed in fine 𝙣𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙦 script.

The outer border is flabbergasting and exhilarating in different ways. A whole menagerie of wild and exotic animals maraud around the 4 edges. It’s the first and only instance I’ve seen of a gorilla 🦍 on an antique carpet.

So much more to add but that’s already too much to digest. A historical masterpiece for all time. Unparalleled storytelling, unequalled beauty, unrivalled creativity and finesse. The braided fringes will tell you how finely woven this is, while the natural dyes speak for themselves. The oxidised browns and beiges indicate the almost 200 years that have passed!

AVAILABLE to museums & private collections, please email or DM.