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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. 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.