3761 Mahal Rug 10 ft 7 in x 13 ft (322 x 424)
A Ningxia temple rug where each square was meant to be used by one monk
A wonderfully sophisticated design by Taftanchian, known for re-interpreting classic 16th century designs in the 19th century
A very unique carpet, this is an early to mid 19th century version of a very famous 16th century Spanish Alcaraz carpet currently in the Textile Museum. A Phoenix rises from the ashes, surrounded by wreaths. The scull & bones motifs in the original have been replaced here by statue heads (Socrates??). The latin inscriptions (in…