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Mid-20thCentury Tabriz Pictorial Rug A Celebration of Love Poetry
Courtly Life
$5,599
£4,230.31
€4,846.66
CA$7,812.42
A$8,515.14
CHF 4,501.88
MX$102,506.12
NOK 57,140.07
SEK 52,385.76
DKK 36,204.76
About the Item
This exquisite mid-20th-century Tabriz pictorial rug is a true masterwork of Persian narrative weaving—an artful fusion of poetry, history, and visual storytelling. Woven in one of Iran’s most prestigious weaving cities, this piece captures the spirit of classical Persian romance and miniature painting. Preserved in mint condition, it stands today not simply as a rug, but as a woven painting created for beauty, admiration, and cultural expression.
Tabriz, located in northwest Iran, has been a celebrated center of textile art for over 500 years. During the Safavid era, the city’s workshops became famous for producing some of the most sophisticated figurative textiles and manuscript-inspired designs in the Persian world. By the mid-20th century, Tabriz had revived this tradition with exceptional skill, producing pictorial rugs that echoed the romance, symbolism, and elegance of classical Persian literature and miniature paintings.
This rug belongs to that lineage—an artistic tribute to centuries of Tabriz craftsmanship.
A Scene Inspired by Classical Persian Literature
The imagery draws from the poetic universe of Persia’s great literary masters:
Hafez, poet of wine, love, and spiritual ecstasy
Sa’di, whose lyrical verses celebrate beauty and human connection
Nizami and Jami, whose romantic epics shaped Persian miniature painting
The garden setting, wine cups, musical instruments, and intimate gathering are all emblematic of Persian poetic symbolism, where earthly delight becomes a metaphor for inner joy and spiritual transcendence.
The Figures: Symbolism, Beauty
Storytelling
The four central figures are rendered with expressive faces and graceful movement—classic hallmarks of Tabriz pictorial weaving.
1. The Lovers
The seated man and reclining woman embody the timeless theme of lovers in a garden, one of the most cherished motifs in Persian art. Their clothing in soft pinks, blues, and greens represents:
Beauty
Spring and renewal
Emotional harmony
Intellectual refinement
Their wine cups are not merely decorative—they symbolize joy, enlightenment, and the “wine of divine love” often referenced by Hafez.
2. The Dancer
Above them, the dancer extends her arms in a fluid, captivating pose. This figure may represent:
A courtly entertainer
A symbol of ecstatic movement in Sufi philosophy
The personification of joy and celebration
Her golden headpiece and patterned garments showcase the weaver’s meticulous attention to color.
3. The Attendant or Musician
The figure on the left participates in the revelry, perhaps offering music or companionship. In Persian poetry, the musician represents emotional harmony and the blending of art forms.
Together, these characters form a dense tapestry of romance, music, beauty, and poetic symbolism—true to Tabriz’s artistic heritage.
The Border: Poetry, Architecture
Cultural Identity
The outer border blends Persian calligraphy with architectural vignettes, a hallmark of mid-20th-century Tabriz pictorial rugs.
Calligraphy Panels
The script panels typically contain lines of romantic or philosophical verse—often from Hafez or Sa’di—celebrating:
Love
Wine and joy
Wisdom
The beloved’s beauty
These poems echo the emotional and symbolic narrative of the central scene.
Architectural Elements
The corners depict iconic Persian structures: domed mosques, ornate gateways, and historic palaces reminiscent of Tabriz and other cultural centers. These vignettes ground the piece in Persian artistic tradition and memory.
Color Palette: Symbolism and Technical Mastery
Tabriz weavers are known for their sophisticated dye work, and this rug is an exceptional example:
Sky blue evokes serenity and spiritual aspiration
Rose and crimson represent love, vitality, and sensuality
Ivory highlights fine drawing and creates a luminous field
Black detailing reflects the linework of miniature painting
Gold and ochre add richness and royal undertones
The harmony and complexity of these colors reveal a master dyer’s skill.
Mint Condition – A Rare Collector’s Piece
A Woven Masterpiece of Persian Art
This mid-20th-century Tabriz pictorial rug combines the finest traditions of Persian poetry, miniature painting, and textile craftsmanship. With its romantic imagery, expressive figures, intricate calligraphy, and superb condition, it offers:
A museum-quality work of Persian cultural history
A visually stunning art piece for display
A rare example of Tabriz’s narrative weaving tradition
It is both a storytelling masterpiece and a testament to the enduring beauty of Persian artistic expression.
- Dimensions:Width: 50 in (127 cm)Length: 81 in (205.74 cm)
- Style:Tabriz (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Wool,Hand-Knotted
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Excellent Condition!
- Seller Location:Port Washington, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: DDC2602 Tabriz Pictorial 4 2"x6 9" Chaman Antique Rug Gallery1stDibs: LU964147875052
About the Seller
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Established in 1980
1stDibs seller since 2013
155 sales on 1stDibs
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