First half 19th century , 335 x 160 cm, South West Persia, Fars

Collection VOK: Caucasus - Persia 101

At some point this large red-ground Qashqa’i kilim was divided into two halves, now mounted onto canvas and reunited in an attempt at reconstruction. The spaciously conceived design of the field consists of three diamonds aligned along the central axis and flanked by crosses arranged in pairs, their ends decorated with stepped polygons. The two white diamonds embellished with stepped polygons at the upper and lower ends are substantially larger than the fragmented green-ground diamond at the centre. It is uncertain whether this has always been the case. The attempt at reconstruction assumes that the central diamond was substantially smaller than the other two. The date has been estimated on the basis of stylistic considerations. Generally speaking, kilims displaying compositions as powerful and confident as this item are regarded as early pieces. This is supported by the high density of the weave and heavily patinated colours. Large-format examples such as this item are said to have been made for the tribal khans. Sadighi assumes that the kilim was woven by the Darreh Shuri tribe. – Largely original side and end finishes, many missing sections, signs of wear, stains.

VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Caucasus-Persia. Gilim and other Flatweaves. (Text by Hamid Sadighi) Munich 1996, no. 101