Lot 352 AN ANTIQUE PERSIAN SHAHSEVAN MAFRASH PANEL (NOMADIC BAG FLATWEAVE)
Up for auction is an outstanding, color-rich rarity of Anatolian-Caucasian tribal art: An antique Shahsevan Mafrash panel from the border region of Northwest Persia / Azerbaijan, masterfully hand-woven around 1900. This exquisite weave originally formed the prestigious long side of a large, box-shaped nomadic bedding bag (mafrash), which was used to transport valuable textiles during seasonal migrations. The face panel captivates with its classic tripartite composition rendered in an extremely fine structure. The dark blue main field is dominated by a horizontal row of four magnificent, geometric diamond medallions, artfully interwoven with vibrant madder red, turquoise blue, and contrasting ivory serrations (Ashik pattern). Fine star and protective motifs are centered within each medallion. The center field is flanked above and below by two wide, identical border bands on a red ground. These display a highly elegant row of complex, shield-shaped medallions with interwoven arrow and wave symbols. The textile object glows with excellently preserved, absolutely authentic vegetable dyes and is in a remarkably good and complete state of preservation with a stable weave structure. A prime exhibit for ambitious collectors of antique nomadic and tribal art, perfectly suited as a wall hanging or carpet accent due to its modern graphic impact. • Condition: Good condition (excellently preserved collector's condition with a firm handle and intact edges). • Dimensions (Metric): 110 by 55 cm.