Curated collection of antique, vintage and modern rugs

Antique Persian Kerman Mashahir Pictorial Rug circa 1900

Size: 12 ft x 9 ft 3 in (3.66 m x 2.82 m)

Provenance: Property of a New York dealer

An exceptional and unusually large Persian Kerman Mashahir carpet depicting an extensive assembly of historic, literary and cultural figures. The composition is filled with individually rendered portraits, costumes, inscriptions, and architectural details, all woven into a subtle palette of ivory, rose, terracotta, brown, and faded red. Mashahir-“notables” or “famous figures”-carpets form a fascinating and highly specialized category of Persian pictorial weaving. Most surviving examples are considerably smaller; the scale, complexity and extraordinary number of figures represented here make this one of the rarest and most intellectually engaging pieces in the sale. This lot deserves a prominent catalog note and additional close-up photographs identifying as many figures and inscriptions as possible.

Lot # 492 A highly interesting pictorial Kirman Mashahir carpet of considerable historical and decorative interest. The carpet bears two inscriptions, one identifying it as example no. 333, produced by the workshop for a certain Mr. Kermani, and another relating to the subject of the composition. The field depicts a succession of Persian kings and emperors, individually numbered and represented by their respective portraits.

The carpet presents reasonably well overall, although the pile is very low throughout, with several areas of more pronounced wear. There are scattered previous restorations, as well as approximately three to four areas where the warps and wefts are exposed and the pile is missing. There are also scattered stains, small white areas, and localized structural weakness, with certain sections requiring reinforcement.

The lower end is substantially intact, while the upper end shows minor losses to several rows of knots or threads. The original side selvages are largely intact and in good order. Along approximately 1.6 inches of the left selvage there are possible traces of moth activity.

Despite the extensive wear and localized structural issues, the carpet remains a historically significant and visually compelling example, distinguished by its unusual iconography, inscriptions, and strong pictorial presence.

Please contact our rug experts at auction@nazmiyal.com or call us for any questions you may have at 212.545.8029. Please note that all lots are sold "AS IS. " Condition reports are given as a courtesy to our clients and shall not be deemed as a guarantee of the lot's condition, quality, and authenticity. The absence of a condition report does not imply the item is in perfect condition.