Vintage Persian Tabriz Pictorial Rug

A wool pile of symmetric knots on a cotton foundation, this rare piece features eight Persian kings and heroes, including Shah 'Abbas, Rustam, and several Achaemenian rulers, depicted in cartouches with identifying inscriptions, separated by floral cartouches on a red ground. Pairs of birds or rampant animals serve as cartouche supporters. Additionally, there is a reverse-knotted top flap with an oval depiction of a man harvesting wheat while a woman prepares food, with two sheep grazing nearby. The main piece is bordered with floral and shield palmettes, while the flap has a blue border with octagram rosettes. A central open slit allows for coming and going.