Item: Ex-James Opie Collection. Antique Persian Tribal Khamseh Tent Carpet
Sold For: $4,250.00
Bids: 11
Date: Jun 30, 2012
Auction: Ebay
Description and Image By: imokub2
Antique persian tribal khamseh federation main tent carpet, sw persian tribal, fars province, probably either the arab jabbareh or mazidi tribal section, last quarter of the 19th century up to circa 1900, and coming in excellent overall condition for the collector. The exact size is; 5′-5″ x 6′-7″ (165 x 201 cm). The largest and most powerful tribal group within the khamseh (“five” tribes) confederacy is the arab tribe, who are believed to have entered the fars province shortly after the arab conquest in the seventh century and the advent of islam. It is thought that they learned their weaving skills from the indegenous lori and farsi native tribes. The design is clearly derived from earlier city or village weavings. The present specimen is all wool in construction with a symmetrical knot structure. Only 100% natural, plant-deriived, dyes were used. The allover condition is excellent with good pile. The side cord over-castings are all original and complete as are the top and bottom endings, now sewn back secure to prevent any future loss of structure. This antique tribal oriental carpet is clean and collection ready. With a high quality pad underneath, it will make a lovely statement as a decorative floor rug. To see two similar published examples of this type, one with a gold field color and one with a red field color, refer to: james opie, “tribal rugs of southern persia”, 1981, page 86-87 and 88-89. In addition, an ivory field example of this arab type, very similar to my offering, is published in black and white by a. Cecil edwards in “the persian carpet”, 1953, reprinted in 1960, 1967, and 1975, as plate 314, page 299. The present rather rare example of an arab-woven khamseh rug is also a publishable quality antique specimen.