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Ferdowsi’s Poetry Scene Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug 71702

Size: 4 ft 3 in x 6 ft 7 in (1.3 m x 2.01 m)
Origin: Persian Rugs

Antique Persian Farahan Mythological Rug, Country of Origin / Type of Rug: Antique Persian Rugs, Circa date: 1880 – This antique Persian pictorial Sarouk Farahan rug depicts a scene from Ferdowsi’s 10th century Persian poetry work called “Shahnameh” (Epic of Kings). In this image, we see the  moment that “Div” (devil) “Akvan” throws “Rustam” (the legendary and iconic hero from Persian mythology) into the sea. Rustam knew the devil would do the exact opposite of what he asked. Since he knew this fact, and knew that if he were thrown into the ocean he would have a chance to survive, he asked the devil to kill him by throwing him against the rocks. So the devil chose, as expected, to cast Rustam into the ocean. Rustam was then able to swim back to land and then engages and wins his battle against the devil.

The imagery depicted in this artistic antique Pictorial rug is very much in line with Safavid period manuscript illustrations of Firdawsi’s “Shahnameh” that were produced in modern day Iran. The watery sky in this image symbolizes both the sky – when the devil Akvan raises Rustam in preparation to cast him into the sea – as well the ocean – where Rustam swims back from on his quest to defeat the great Div Akvan.

Fine artistic Persian rugs such as this are marvelous historical objects as well as captivating works of art. While most people will use these pieces as area rugs for the floor, others may choose to display such rugs as tapestry wall hangings. But regardless of how or where one chooses to place this rug, it is hands down one the best rugs for those who appreciate the art of weaving and the history of Persian literature. We can add this piece as a top example of Persian folklore just like the – Tragic Persian Love Story: Shirin and Khosrow – and – Nizami Tragic Persian Love Story: Layla and Majnun.

Through painstakingly rendered details, the artist creates a seamless transition in this textile art, from the abstract and unique to the concrete and defined. Several borders frame around each other, featuring vibrant hues of blue and red to create contrast between the various points of motion and contact. As the viewer’s eyes transition to the heart of this antique rug, they view the active scene below, set against a pale beige landscape. The demonic arrangement of the two primary figures within this antique Persian rug seems to stand against the rustic elements adorning the space beneath them.

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