Antique Distressed Carpet with Kashmir Shawl Pattern
The finest Persianate weavings of the Qajar Dynasty are distinguished by patterns originating from the textile arts of the Indian Mughal court tradition. The so-called Kashmir shawls are among the most refined Indian weavings, and were highly prized by the Qajar nobility. Here we see the field decorated by parallel, polychrome compartments enclosing the paisley motifs characteristic of these shawls, connected through a sinuous stylised vine. The paisley pattern is also taken up in the highly creative and unusual border, connected in groups of four and sprouting from a split-leaf arabesque motif. The distressed, mostly unrestored condition manages to preserve the mood of the piece. This is an ideal rug when requiring an original patina of antiquity as the necessary ingredient towards the creation of a highly charming and aristocratic interior.