A pictorial rug decorated with the Tablets of the Law and the figures of Elijah the Prophet, Moses, Aaron the Priest and Abraham. [Tabriz (Iran), 1960s.]
Silk and wool knot-pile on silk foundation.
The design displays three arches; within each are two scenes, one above the other, separated by horizontal bands containing inscriptions and verses. The apex of the central arch shows a sun with the words ‘Keter Torah’ in its center, below which appears the inscription ‘Shiviti HaShem LeNegdi Tamid.’ Beneath the sun is an image depicting the Tablets of the Law with cherubs on either side, and a long inscription opening with the words ‘Da Lifney Mi Atah Omed’ [Know Before Whom You Stand] and continuing with verses from the Book of Deuteronomy. The bottom central image shows Elijah the prophet rising to heaven in a chariot of fire. The arch on the right shows Moses drawing water from the rock and Moses with the Tablets of the Law. The arch on the left depicts the Binding of Isaac and Aaron lighting the Menorah. Round medallions showing the symbols of the Twelve Tribes of Israel are set in the crowns of the arches (with the symbols of the Tribes of Zevulun and Gad replaced by the flag of Israel).
150X162 cm. Good condition. Minor stains. Some torn and missing fringes. Suspension straps sewn to the margins on verso. Suspension rings on verso.
Literature: Jewish Carpets, by Anton Felton. Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 1997, p. 67.
Provenance: The Anton Felton Collection.