Number 1101
Type Workshop
Origin Isfahan
Material Wool
Style Tree
Size 203 x 137
Age 1890
This masterpiece belongs to a select group of 4 known Cypress tree rugs woven by one of the preeminent masters of carpet weaving in Isfahan in the late 19th century. Grand Master Abdolsamad, like Agha Ahmad known by his first name, accomplished a terrific mastery in the art of rendering the tree of life, namely by the remarkable form of the slender cypress and its multitude leaves, each depicted individually. His signature appears above the tip of the mihrab prayer niche. Below the tree if you look closely you can make out two iterations of the phrase "Ya Ali", thereby granting the carpet additional mystical Sufi levels of meaning. A very similar carpet signed by Abdolsamad lies in the Carpet Museum of Iran, formerly in the royal collections. It appeared on the cover of the museum's inauguration catalog. At present this is the only example of Abdolsamad's oeuvre that is available on the market. A historical masterpiece that will augment in value with time.
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