Antique Persian Qalamkar-style Textile Depicting A Polo (chowgan) Match, Qajar Period

An antique Persian Qalamkar-style textile depicting an animated game of Chowgan (traditional Persian polo), dating to the late Qajar period, circa 1880–1920.

Printed on handwoven cotton, the composition is inspired by the rich tradition of Persian miniature painting. Mounted horsemen compete with long polo mallets while attendants and elegantly dressed court figures observe from the background. The figures wear Persianate court costume with wrapped turbans and distinctive caps, set amongst stylised floral motifs within an ornamental border.

The scene is accompanied by inscriptions in Arabic script identifying the subject as a representation of the game of Chowgan. Polo originated in ancient Persia and became one of the most celebrated royal sports of the Persian courts before spreading throughout the wider Persianate world. The costumes, composition and decorative treatment all reflect the enduring influence of Persian miniature painting.

Qalamkar textiles were traditionally produced in Isfahan using carved wooden printing blocks with hand-applied colours. Figurative examples depicting courtly scenes are considerably less common than the floral furnishing textiles more frequently encountered, making this an attractive and unusual example.

Dimensions: 29 × 32 cm.

Good condition.

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