Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques Ltd
Silk Keshan Rug Tree of Life c.1950 - Persian 190x137cm Divine Investment- 50% off
Silk Keshan Rug Tree of Life c.1950 - Persian 190x137cm Divine Investment- 50% off
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A Divine Silk Keshan Rug Featuring The Tree of Life c.1950
An exquisite and museum-quality silk Keshan rug from circa 1950, featuring the sacred Tree of Life motif rendered in finest silk with extraordinary detail and luminous color. Measuring 190x137 cm (approximately 6'3" x 4'6"), this divine piece represents Persian silk weaving at its absolute finest. Woven in Kashan (Keshan), one of Persia's most celebrated carpet-weaving cities, this rug combines supreme technical mastery, profound symbolic meaning, and breathtaking beauty.
Kashan - City of Silk and Splendor
Kashan (also spelled Keshan or Qashen) stands among the most prestigious carpet-weaving centers in Iran, with a history extending back to the Safavid dynasty (1502-1736) when the city produced carpets for royal courts. Located along the ancient Silk Road, Kashan was an important trading center and resting place for caravans, which brought wealth and cultural exchange that enriched the city's artistic traditions. After a period of decline, Kashan's carpet industry revived in the late 19th century, and by the mid-20th century when this rug was created, Kashan weavers had perfected techniques for creating silk carpets of extraordinary refinement and beauty.
The Tree of Life - Sacred Symbolism
The Tree of Life represents one of the most ancient and universal symbols in human culture, appearing in Persian, Islamic, Jewish, Christian, and other traditions. In Persian and Islamic art, the Tree of Life symbolizes immortality, spiritual growth, the connection between earth and heaven, and the divine source of all life. The tree's roots reach into the earth while its branches extend toward heaven, representing the unity of material and spiritual realms. Depicting the Tree of Life in a carpet transforms the piece from mere floor covering into sacred object, meditation aid, and tangible expression of profound spiritual truths. This symbolism adds immeasurable depth and meaning to the rug's aesthetic beauty.
Silk - The Ultimate Luxury Material
Silk represents the pinnacle of carpet-weaving materials, prized for its extraordinary fineness, natural luster, ability to hold vibrant colors, and luxurious feel. Silk fibers, produced by silkworms, are incredibly fine - allowing for extremely high knot densities and detailed pattern execution impossible with wool. The material's natural sheen creates luminous surface that captures and reflects light beautifully, making colors appear to glow from within. Silk's rarity and the labor-intensive process of silk production make silk carpets significantly more valuable than wool carpets. However, silk's delicacy also means silk carpets require careful handling and are best suited for low-traffic areas or wall display.
High Knot Density - Technical Excellence
Kashan silk carpets are renowned for their extraordinarily high knot density, achieved through the Persian (asymmetrical) knot technique. The fineness of silk allows weavers to create knot densities far exceeding what's possible with wool, resulting in incredibly detailed patterns, subtle color gradations, and refined execution. Each tiny knot was individually tied by hand by master weavers with exceptional skill and patience. The high knot density in this rug allows the Tree of Life design to be rendered with botanical accuracy and artistic sophistication, capturing delicate branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits with remarkable precision.
At 190x137 cm (approximately 6'3" x 4'6"), this rug offers versatile size suitable for various display options. The dimensions work beautifully as accent rug, wall hanging, or focal point in intimate spaces. Silk carpets of this size are particularly desirable as they provide substantial presence while remaining manageable for display and preservation. Many collectors choose to display silk carpets on walls rather than floors, both to protect the delicate material and to showcase the rug's beauty as textile art.
Investment Value at Discounted Price
At 50% discount, this silk Keshan rug represents exceptional value for collectors willing to accept condition issues. The combination of finest silk material, Kashan provenance, high knot density, profound Tree of Life symbolism, and mid-century dating creates strong inherent value. While the condition affects market value compared to pristine examples, the discounted price makes this an accessible entry point into collecting museum-quality Persian silk carpets with sacred symbolism.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
This rug embodies Persian artistic traditions, Islamic spiritual symbolism, and the centuries-old practice of incorporating sacred imagery into daily life. It represents the weaver's devotion, technical mastery, and spiritual understanding. Even with condition issues, the rug's cultural and spiritual significance remains intact. Owning such a rug means becoming custodian of this extraordinary cultural and spiritual heritage, connecting us to ancient wisdom traditions and timeless symbols that continue to resonate across cultures and centuries.
Display and Preservation
Given silk's delicacy and this rug's condition, wall display is strongly recommended. Wall mounting showcases the rug's beauty as textile art while protecting it from further wear and making the condition issues less noticeable. If used on floors, place only in very low-traffic areas with quality underlay. Avoid direct sunlight which can fade silk. Professional cleaning by specialists in silk carpets essential. Professional conservation could address the misaligned threads and stain if desired, though many collectors appreciate authentic patina.
⚠️ SPECIAL CONDITION PRICING - 50% DISCOUNT
PLEASE NOTE: This divine silk Keshan rug is offered at 50% discount due to condition issues. While the structural integrity remains sound and the rug is fully functional, there are visible imperfections including misaligned threads and an inconspicuous stain. These condition issues are reflected in the reduced price, making this an exceptional opportunity to acquire a museum-quality Persian silk carpet at significant savings.
Available for viewing by appointment at Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques Ltd, Malta. This represents an exceptional value opportunity - a divine Persian silk carpet with sacred symbolism at 50% discount.
