A large pictorial rug depicting Moses with the Tablets of the Law. [Kashan, Iran], 1936.
Silk knot-pile; silk foundation.
The central panel depicts Moses holding the Tablets of the Law and his staff. Water is flowing from rocks under his feet, referring to the miracle of bringing forth water from stone. An arched inscription lists Moses' titles : "Master of all prophets, father to the wise, Moses our teacher." A large cartouche at the top quotes Psalm 121, (Hebrew): "G-d, the Guardian of Israel." Smaller cartouches set in the main border quote a verse from Deutronomy 10:12 (Hebrew): "And now, oh Israel, what does the Lord G-d demand of you? Only this: to revere the Lord your G-d, to walk only in his paths, to love Him and to serve the Lord your G-d with all your heart and soul." Two seven-branch candelabra are set in the double border, among a dense flower motif. The rug is signed in an additional cartouche at the bottom (Hebrew): "Ibragim (?), Tishrei 5697 [1936]."
Approx. 131X217 cm. Good condition. Minor fraying to edges. Suspension loop sewn to upper edge, on verso.
Literature: Jewish Carpets, by Anton Felton. Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 1997, p. 63.
Provenance: The Anton Felton Collection.