English: A PICTORIAL ISFAHAN RUG

SIGNED AHMAD ESFAHANI, CENTRAL PERSIA, CIRCA 1900

The central portrait depicting Shah 'Abbas with four further portraits of kings of the Persian Safavid dynasty, full pile throughout, a few minor spot surface marks, overall very good condition 7ft. x 4ft.5in. (214cm. x 139cm.)

The knot count is approximately 8V x 8H per cm. sq.

The largest central roundel depicts a striking portrait of the decorated figure of Shah 'Abbas (1571-1629) with his impressive moustache and delicate features. Shah 'Abbas is widely recognised to have been the most eminent ruler of the Safavid dynasty that ruled Persia from 1502 to 1722. Above and below are four further but smaller roundels portraying other Safavid rulers; Shah Ismail, Shah Tahmasp, Shah Sulayman and Shah Sultan Hussayn. The borders show successors and wives of the kings and the Persian text in the cartouches includes verses from Sa'di's Gulistan depicted in elegant naskh script. There are very few pieces that bear the signature of the master weaver Ahmad Esfahani but his work is characteristically fine, illustrated by the elegant arabesque background that features in many of his figurative weavings. Comparable examples by the same hand depicting illustrious Persian figures have sold in these Rooms, 7 October 2010, lot 63 and 6 October 2015, lot 55.