A 1930s Afshar rug of zili-i-sultan design, from the Kerman area, south east Persia.
The design of all-over repeats of vases with floral sprays is known as zili-i-sultan (arabic: "shadow of the emperor") after Mas'ud Mirza, a Qajar prince who governed Iran's southern provinces during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Appropriately for its age, there is an almost art deco feel to the design. An unusual and attractive lilac dye has been used, most noticeably in the selvedges.
A striking small piece in rare square dimensions.
Slight loss to ends but overall good condition.
146 x 145cm