A large pictorial rug, depicting the Exodus on eagles' wings, Moses and Aaron, the Western Wall and more.
Silk or cotton knot-pile; cotton foundation.
A central medallion shows the twelve emblems of the Twelve Tribes of Israel alongside twelve figures representing the tribes, two angels, the three patriarchs, the sacrifice of the paschal lamb, and Moses leading the Israelites across the Red Sea under the wings of an eagle. The outer edge of the medallion is inscribed with an erroneous version of the verse "I bear you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself" (Exodus 19:4), and the caption "The Exodus of Israel from Egypt", the name "Rachel Mendelson," and an additional, partly illegible inscription reading “And we have returned (?) Israel” (all in Hebrew). Surrounding the central medallion are images depicting Moses and Aaron, Moses striking the rock, the Israelites worshipping the Golden Calf and the Western Wall.
The source of the rug is unknown, however it possibly is the handiwork of Jewish Yemenite immigrants to Israel.
199x123 cm. Fair condition. Wear and tear to the pile. Much unraveling to the edges. Tears and some losses to the fringe. Loops sewn on upper edge verso.
Literature: Jewish Carpets, by Anton Felton. Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 1997. p. 128.
Provenance: The Anton Felton Collection.