Antique Silk Keshan Prayer Rug

Period: Late 19th century
Origin: Keshan, Iran
Dimensions: 130×200 cm

This magnificent rug, woven in the late 19th century in Keshan, Iran, represents one of the finest examples of Persian weaving art. Renowned for their mastery in silk weaving and fine knotting, Keshan workshops produced rugs for royal courts and elite patrons, making this piece a rare and precious example of its kind.

Design and Composition
The rug is crafted in the prayer format, featuring the central and highly symbolic Tree of Life motif. Rising from the base and branching upwards into a profusion of blossoms, palmettes, and floral sprays, the tree symbolizes both divine connection and eternal life. The composition recalls the imagery of a heavenly garden, a recurring theme in Persian art.

Motifs
Tree of Life: Represents immortality, spiritual growth, and the eternal link between past, present, and future.

Palmettes and Lotus Flowers: Ancient Persian symbols of purity, rebirth, and spiritual enlightenment.

Rosettes and Buds: Symbols of vitality, fertility, and the continuity of life.

Borders: The borders display a floral chain on a vibrant red ground, interlaced with scrolling vines, creating a rich and harmonious frame.

Colors
The rug showcases the distinctive rich reds, deep blues, vibrant pinks, greens, and ivory tones typical of Keshan weaving. Dyed with natural pigments, the silk fibers emit a soft sheen, enhancing the design with a sense of depth and elegance.

Artistic and Cultural Significance
More than a devotional object, this silk Keshan prayer rug is a masterpiece of Persian artistry. Its fine weaving, luminous silk texture, balanced design, and profound symbolism embody the refinement of late 19th-century Persian court culture, making it an exceptional piece for both collectors and connoisseurs.

Stock No: 5160

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