Afshari, mid 19th century, (173 x 126 cm)

The Afsharis who live in southeastern Iran (between Shiraz and Kerman) share with the Qashqa'is the use of pleasing patterns and designs in their weavings. Of course various common factors like language and proximity have not been without effect in their cultural cross-fertilization. Although till now only a few examples of Afshari lion rugs have come to hand, the age and power of these testify to a long history of lion rug weaving in that tribe. It is believed that this rug is more than one hundred years old, but the dimensions and natural proportions of this lion have a fortuitous similarity to a rug whose lion is believed t be based upon English and Indian lion blankets that reached Fars around the First World War. (Back to article)

From "Lion Rugs; The Lion in Art and Culture of Iran" by Parviz Tanavoli (Trans Book, New York, 1985)