Antique Persian Afshar Rug with Four Lions, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1920 – Four boldly drawn lions give this antique Persian Afshar rug an unmistakable personality. Dating to circa 1920, the rug measures 5 feet by 6 feet 4 inches. Its compact proportions contain an exceptionally lively composition, combining commanding animal figures with an ordered field of stylized flowers and small geometric ornaments.
Four Lions with Remarkable Character
Two pairs of golden-yellow lions occupy opposite ends of the deep blue field. Their inward-facing heads, curling tails, and emphatic red manes create a striking frame for the central pattern. The upper pair appears inverted relative to the lower pair, giving the composition a balanced arrangement when viewed from either end.
Each lion has a long, angular body filled with small red marks. Large outlined eyes and open mouths lend the faces an almost comic expressiveness. Their blocky paws and sharply articulated outlines reinforce the drawing’s spirited quality. These memorable animal interpretations are shaped by the geometric vocabulary of the weaving.
Small pale inscriptions appear within the loops formed by the lions’ tails. They add another intriguing detail to the design, although their wording requires a separate reading.
Floral Rhythm and Intricate Borders
Between the lions, sixteen large floral palmettes form four rows across the field. Red outlines, ivory accents, and narrow green centers give these motifs considerable definition against the dark ground. Their branching edges echo the energy of the surrounding animal figures.
Smaller flowers, angular stems, diamonds, and bird-like forms occupy the intervening spaces. These details create a densely animated surface while keeping the larger motifs clearly legible. Multiple borders enclose the field with rosettes, hooked devices, and contrasting geometric ornament.
Within Nazmiyal’s Afshar rugs collection, this example offers a particularly engaging combination of pictorial imagery and repeating floral design. Its appeal rests in the balance between disciplined arrangement and highly individual drawing.
Decorating with an Antique Afshar Lion Rug
The rug’s manageable size suits a study, intimate sitting room, or space beside a bed. Golden lions and vivid red details would bring warmth to dark wood furniture, leather seating, or plain linen upholstery. A relatively open furniture arrangement would preserve the visibility of all four animals.
For collectors exploring antique Persian rugs, this piece offers expressive animal imagery and abundant detail. It is a distinctive selection in Nazmiyal’s antique rugs collection, equally engaging from across a room and up close.
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