61539 Antique Persian Shiraz Pictorial Rug, 04'07 x 13'03.
Step into the woven epic of Persian romance with this rare and deeply emotive hand-knotted wool antique Shiraz pictorial rug — a textile masterpiece that immortalizes the tragic love story of King Khosrow II and Queen Shirin. Woven not merely for the floor, but for the soul, this enchanting runner transcends utilitarian function to serve as a living manuscript of Persian literary tradition. In a symphony of tribal geometry and evocative storytelling, this rug captures key narrative moments — the lovers' courtship, their longing, and their ultimate fate — frozen in wool like frescoes upon an ancient temple wall.
Each figure is rendered in a strikingly naive yet dignified manner, embodying the stylized visual language of tribal Shiraz weaving. Rows of lovers, horses, and trees flank the narrative axis, their rectilinear forms imbuing the rug with a rhythmic cadence. The paired human figures appear as visual invocations of longing and destiny, framed by branches of the Tree of Life, symbolizing the spiritual connection between earth and eternity. The repeated floral and animal motifs — rosettes for vitality, birds for faith, and peacocks for immortality — add layers of poetic symbolism, linking this love story to universal themes of fidelity, beauty, and rebirth.
The saturated natural dyes, mellowed over time through an antique wash, lend the piece a soulful patina — soft red, navy blue, sunset terra cotta, and creamy beige tones coalesce in a palette that feels both aged and timeless. The outer border dances with geometric talismans and stylized floral motifs — amulets to protect the love within, tulips and hyacinths for prosperity and regeneration, and eight-pointed stars offering luck and divine guidance. Together, these forms echo ancient Zoroastrian and Islamic beliefs, where love is often a journey of cosmic significance.
Highly sought after by collectors, historians, and designers alike, this Shiraz rug stands as a testament to the intersection of myth, memory, and material. Whether showcased in a modern gallery setting or integrated into an opulent residential space, it offers not just beauty — but profound meaning. In a world driven by the ephemeral, this exquisite work of art is a portal to something enduring. It is an heirloom that not only elevates a space, but enshrines the story of a love so great, it demanded to be woven for eternity.
- Abrash.
- Hand knotted wool.
- Made in Iran.
- Measures: 04'07 x 13'03.
- Pile Height: 0.42 of an inch.
- Date: 1910's. Early 20th Century.
