Qashqa'i , late 19th century (195 x 122 cm)

Combining a human head with the body of a lion and joining them skillfully to make them inseparable, are signs of the fine imagination of the weaver of this rug and her skill in executing her own concepts. The changes and the imagery used by the artist in depicting her lion are not derived from nature, but rather from her own imagination, and have led her to the highest planes of creativity. This new being while retaining the majesty and awe of the king of the jungle, possesses the beauty and elegance of a lion doll. (Back to article)

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