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ID #SA1160585
FOR SALE
£5,500
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Antique Soumak, Afshar Tribes, Kerman Province, South Persia.
For sale by 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 115 items
  • About Us
    Dealing in antique and old tribal rugs, dowry weavings and decorative carpets from the near east and central asia since 1979.
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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").

Date of Manufacture

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

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

Date of Manufacture

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

Height
195cm (76.77")
Width
122cm (48.03")
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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Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Telephone 01451 824 447 or 07980 999 114
Location
North Cotswolds
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/rugmac
Verified Since Oct 2011
Items For Sale 115
Items Sold 1,075
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Verified Since Oct 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: North Cotswolds , Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/rugmac
Verified
Oct 2011
For Sale
115
Sold
1,075
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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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectRugs
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StylePersian Tribal
  • MaterialWool
  • ColourNavy Blue
  • MotifsLion motifs, Geometric flatweave, Stylized trees, Tribal border pattern
  • SizeH 195 cm (77 in) x W 122 cm (48 in)

This antique Persian tribal rug originates from the Afshar tribes of Kerman Province and dates to 1920. Hand-woven in the soumak flatweave technique using wool, it displays a dark navy blue field decorated with white lion motifs, small stylized birds, and patterned botehs. The composition includes multiple geometric borders in red, cream, and blue wool featuring reciprocal arrow-heads and star motifs, finished with fringed end panels. The rug measures 195 cm high by 122 cm wide. In a contemporary home, this floor covering suits placement in a study, library, or hallway, adding traditional textile artistry to an interior scheme. The dense flatweave construction provides a durable surface suitable for high-traffic zones or decorative display on hardwood floors. The palette of navy blue, crimson, and cream coordinates easily with traditional or eclectic furnishing styles while introducing authentic South Persian craftsmanship to the living space.

FAQs

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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