2 x 3 Antique Persian Kerman Pictorial Rug 74271

74271 Antique Persian Kerman Pictorial Rug Mythological Tapestry Lion & King Darius Achaemenid at Persepolis. 

An extraordinary embodiment of regal mythology and sacred symbolism, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Kerman prayer rug offers a rare glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Persia. Woven with reverence and precision, this exceptional textile features a dramatic pictorial scene inspired by King Darius the Great—the mighty father of Xerxes—locked in eternal battle with the mythic lion-beast of Persepolis. Composed of leonine strength, the horns of a bull, the wings and talons of an eagle, and the venomous tail of a scorpion, this legendary chimera symbolizes the primordial chaos subdued only by divinely sanctioned kingship. The image evokes not merely a myth—but a sovereign rite of passage, one preserved in thread.

Set within a deep burgundy field, the directional composition is arranged in a classic prayer rug format, with a mihrab niche flanked by twin columns rising like temple gateposts. These architectural elements, reminiscent of Achaemenid reliefs, elevate the central scene into sacred space—transforming the carpet into both a visual epic and a meditative sanctuary. Beneath the scene, stylized floral motifs bloom across a verdant ground, rooting this mythic struggle in the fertility and grace of Persian garden iconography. The result is a rich layering of power, piety, and poetic allegory.

The top corners of the field are alive with action—each depicting a lion striking down an antelope or deer, ancient symbols of sovereignty and sacrifice. These dual vignettes mirror the central confrontation below, reinforcing themes of dominion and divine order. Every detail, from the ripple of the lion’s mane to the curl of a vine, is rendered with astonishing nuance, a testament to the legendary finesse of Kerman weavers. Framed by an elaborate botanical border—twisting with rose vines and leafy arabesques—the rug invites the eye to wander and contemplate, pulling the beholder deeper into a world where art and empire converge.

Owning this rug is not merely acquiring a work of art; it is taking possession of a woven relic—a prestige artifact that transcends time. This rare Kerman masterpiece is ideal for a collector of museum-caliber textiles or a connoisseur of Persian imperial heritage. It exudes exclusivity and meaning: an heirloom that speaks of leadership, sacred space, and the eternal dance between power and virtue. In a world that moves quickly, this is a piece that demands pause, reverence, and awe.

• Also known as: Battle of Shahriar (Achaemenid king) and Lion, Confrontation between Shahriar and Lion, or Shah's battle with lion
• Abrash. Desirable Age Wear.
• Hand-knotted wool.
• Made in Iran (Persia).
• Measures: 02'01 x 02'08.