A MALAYER RUG, WEST PERSIA |

Overall measurements: 128cm across the top, 129cm across the bottom, 256cm the left hand side, 253cm the right hand side. Pile generally 2mm overall, even closely sheared. With some knotbars beginning to appear, barely noticeable. One line through the dog, right hand sided beneath fish, which is two trows of knots in depth and approx 18cm in length, and a further on the opposite side approx 5cm long. Trimmed warp fringes. SIdes re-overcast. A very unusual design, very attractive colouring and delightfully drawn, including goats, dogs, birds, fish.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The imagery of this rug can be read on several levels.  At first impression it is simply a charming depiction of an idyllic garden with flowering trees and plants, birds and a fruiting pomegranate tree, amongst which are tethered goats and dogs, together with a peacock, the whole flanked by lions. These individual elements also have particular associations:  the pomegranate tree is a symbol of both fertility and immortality; the colour white is associated with goodness and with nobility. Lions appear in many guises in Persian art; they are symbols of royalty and power (there is a tradition of spreading lion rugs before the potentate), and lions are found supporting pillars in palaces and the Marble Throne in the Golestān Palace. They also can be found carved in stone as grave guardians, similarly to the early guardian lions of China. The peacock with his 'thousand eyes' can represent cosmic wisdom, and can also be a representation of the divine; he also lends his wings and tail to the simurgh, the guardian of the Persian kingdom. Together they suggest a weaving designed to provide power and protection, very possibly for a khan.  (For further discussion of lion rugs see also http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/lion-rugs, accessed 19.09.18). Herrmann comments on the iconography as follows: "The path through this side of the world from East to West and vice versa has been ended by the mighty sun lions, the supernatural Simurgh travelling between both worlds is in the centre of interest. Smaller horned moon animals and other creatures living in the imaginary world are positioned in the background between trees-of-life." (EH)