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ID #SA1160585
FOR SALE
£5,500
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Antique Soumak, Afshar Tribes, Kerman Province, South Persia.
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
for sale €6,435     $6,985
£5,500
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2011
Browse dealers 122 items
  • About Us
    Dealing in antique and old tribal rugs, dowry weavings and decorative carpets from the near east and central asia since 1979.
Id #SA1160585
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Antique Soumak, Afshar Tribes, Kerman Province, South Persia.

1900 - 1920
Description

Acquired recently from a private Iranian collection, this fabulous rug was woven in soumak technique by a very competent Afshar woman in Kerman Province, southern Persia circa 1920s.

It comprises six handsome lions in the field - something I have never seen before in Afshar soumak weaving - and with small, stylised peacocks scattered throughout. The rest of the design comprises beautifully-drawn stylised 'botehs'. The 'laleh abassi' main border is finely woven, a design of reciprocal arrow-heads symbolically keeping good from escaping the central field and preventing evil from entering. Note also the extra end panels comprising '8-pointed stars' - symbols of protection.

A truly rare and wonderful rug in mint condition.

Size: 1.95m x 1.22m (6' 5" x 4' 0").

Physical Dimensions
Height
195cm (76.77")
Width
122cm (48.03")
Declaration

Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this Antique Persian Soumak Rug to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1160585
Dealers Internal Reference
BM/FL2
Dealers Notes

Viewing by appointment only.

Description
Acquired recently from a private Iranian collection, this fabulous rug was woven in soumak technique by a very competent Afshar woman in Kerman Province, southern Persia circa 1920s.
It comprises six handsome lions in the field - something I have never seen before in Afshar soumak weaving - and with small, stylised peacocks scattered throughout.
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

The rest of the design comprises beautifully-drawn stylised 'botehs'. The 'laleh abassi' main border is finely woven, a design of reciprocal arrow-heads symbolically keeping good from escaping the central field and preventing evil from entering. Note also the extra end panels comprising '8-pointed stars' - symbols of protection.

A truly rare and wonderful rug in mint condition.

Size: 1.95m x 1.22m (6' 5" x 4' 0").

Height
195cm (76.77")
Width
122cm (48.03")
Date of Manufacture

Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this Antique Persian Soumak Rug to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1160585
Dealers Internal Ref
BM/FL2
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2011

Dealing in antique and old tribal rugs, dowry weavings and decorative carpets from the near east and central asia since 1979.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets Profile Page

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An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool.
1 / 11
Archive I An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool.

Antique Soumak, Afshar Tribes, Kerman Province, South Persia.

Archive II An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View II
Archive III An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View III
Archive IV An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View IV
Archive V An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View V
Archive VI An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View VI
Archive VII An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View VII
Archive VIII An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View VIII
Archive IX An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View IX
Archive X An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View X
Archive XI An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool. View XI
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Location
North Cotswolds
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/rugmac
Verified Since Oct 2011
Items For Sale 122
Items Sold 1,062
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Verified Since Oct 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: North Cotswolds , Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2011
For Sale
122
Sold
1,062
An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool.
Antique Soumak, Afshar Tribes, Kerman Province, South Persia.
Ref: SA1160585
An antique hand-woven South Persian Soumak flatweave rug featuring a dark navy blue field adorned with stylized white lion motifs and geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Soumak refers to a flatweaving technique characterised by wrapping coloured weft threads over and under warp threads, creating a smooth front face and a textured reverse. Historically produced by tribal groups such as the Afshar in South Persia, these textiles feature distinctive geometric patterns and stylized animal motifs.

Traditional Afshar Soumak flatweaves are constructed primarily from hand-spun sheep wool for both the warp and weft. The yarns were historically dyed using natural plant and mineral dyes to produce shades of indigo blue, madder red, and ivory.

Authentic pieces display hand-bound selvedges, natural dye variations known as abrash, and loose structural thread ends on the reverse side created by the Soumak wrapping technique. The motifs often include regional heraldic symbols, stylized lions, and geometric trees.

A tribal flatweave can anchor neutral minimalist spaces, complement dark timber furniture in classic interiors, or add pattern beneath a coffee table. The flat profile makes it suitable for high-traffic zones and layered flooring schemes.

Vacuum gently using suction only, avoiding rotating brush bars that can snag flatwoven threads. Rotate the rug annually to ensure even wear and light exposure, and consult a professional textile conservator for stain removal.
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