Ceremonial Horse Blanket. Qashqai. Persia. Circa 1880. 170 X 175 Cm

Rare, precious, prized—these are the first words that come to mind when I see this iconic piece, a ceremonial Qashqai horse blanket from Persia. My earliest memories take me back to the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum in Istanbul. It was there that I first admired this type of object. Thirty years later, here is one in our collection, an absolutely remarkable piece in every respect. The object is in a near-miraculous state of preservation, without any flaws, no signs of wear, all its long fringes, tassels, and other decorative elements intact. Mixed media. All the motifs are embroidered on a finely woven structure, dyed a dense and saturated indigo blue, like a dark night on the cliffs of the Zagros Mountains. Numerous sections are also worked in knotted stitch here and there. The aesthetic is perfectly balanced with a profusion of animal motifs, a sort of Garden of Earthly Delights... It is ultimately everything that lovers of antique textiles and other discerning collectors dream of. This piece truly possesses a unique decorative power. When I lay it on the floor or hang it on a mule, the effect is sensational and can be summed up in the famous phrase "Wow." Not the "Wow" that aims to impress. On the contrary, it's about delicacy, pure, genuine emotion, the kind that compels admiration. It's dazzling. Circa 1880. Perfect condition. Dimensions: 170 x 175 cm. Laurent, Beauty of Kilims