AFSHAR
Central Persian Antique Rug

(High-Collectible) ("The California Collection") The Afshar peoples were the preeminent Persian tribal group for centuries, originating in Eastern Anatolia, as legend has it. They even established a relatively short-lived dynasty in the latter two-thirds of the 18th century. Perhaps the images in this fascinating rug honor the royal achievements of the past. True figural rugs such as this are exceptionally rare, and the superb graphic quality and attractive color palette make this dignified yet wonderfully whimsical piece soar. A column of tessellated fruit trees commands the centerline while pairs of sword-bearing mustachioed men and their female consorts pose on either side. This cadre is a literal representation of the “elibelinde” motif often seen in various degrees of stylization in Oriental rugs. Originally symbolic of the Neolithic Anatolian “Mother Goddess,” here it could allude to that, or it is possibly just an aesthetic choice since men are present. A chevron-striped forest dots the brilliant red landscape. They are accompanied by innumerable charming tribal ornaments from birds, geometricized animals, hourglass flowers, and umbrella-shaped boteh seeds with a flurry of daisy blossoms and tiny sparklers galore. This collector’s treasure remains in remarkable condition for its age and would continue to stimulate curiosity on floor or wall.

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