Qashqa'i (Safi Khani?), late 19th century (163 x 63 cm)

The lion in this rug is obviously related to that on the Iranian flag albeit without the companion sun. The lion has been tastefully placed in the center of the piece like a medallion. The happy, lively colors and the fine quality of the wool employed in the rug rank it among the more valuable Qashqa'i works; it probably was woven in the Safi Khani clan. The plain pure colors used in the background and triangles and even the body and mane of the lion have an eloquent simplicity and give the rug a unique beauty. (Back to article)

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