Late 19th Century Persian Shahsavan Kilim Rug, 03'03 X 05'09

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79345 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Shahsavan Kilim Rug, 03'03 x 05'09.

A Rare Shahsavan Kilim: Tribal Mastery from Late … Read more 79345 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Shahsavan Kilim Rug, 03'03 x 05'09.

A Rare Shahsavan Kilim: Tribal Mastery from Late 19th Century Persia

In this extraordinary handwoven wool kilim, the artistry of the Shahsavan tribes of northwest Persia comes vividly to life. Created in the late 19th century, this piece exemplifies the refined complexity and symbolic power of tribal weaving, a true testament to the prestige of nomadic craftsmanship at the crossroads of Persia and the Caucasus. Its commanding presence is defined by alternating beige and madder-red panels, each anchored by latch-hooked diamond medallions that echo the eternal cycle of protection, fertility, and the enduring spirit of the people who wove them.

The central compartment radiates in deep madder red, its diamond form emboldened with soumak wrapping, while beige panels above and below soften the composition with a sense of sacred balance. Within these fields, angular motifs and tribal talismans float like ancient runes, protecting the household and carrying forward the symbolic lexicon of Shahsavan life. The borders enclose the field in a rhythmic sequence of hexagons and star-like X-forms, their jewel-toned blues, greens, and saffron golds shimmering like a tribal diadem around the kilim’s heart.

Every precious thread speaks of exclusivity: woven entirely in hand-spun wool with natural dyes, this kilim is more than a textile — it is a cultural manuscript. Its age has softened the palette into tones of lived-in nobility, the patina enhancing its aura as a true antique. Unlike decorative reproductions, here we find authentic irregularities, asymmetries, and the refined spontaneity of the weaver’s hand — qualities that only the most discerning collectors recognize and cherish.

To own this Shahsavan kilim is to possess more than a rug; it is to claim a piece of tribal history woven with soul and purpose. Few such works survive from this era in such remarkable form, making this an investment in both beauty and legacy. Whether displayed as a floor covering, wall hanging, or collection centerpiece, it embodies the exclusivity and prestige that define the world’s finest antique textiles.

Distressed. Age Wear.
Abrash. Needs repair.
Handwoven wool.
Made in Iran.
Measures: 03'03 x 05'09.
Pile Height: 0.17 of an inch.
Date: 1890's. Late 19th Century. See less