Lot 319: A PERSIAN QAJAR KALAMKARI COTTON CIRCULAR SOFREH TEXTILE, 19TH CENTURY

This circular textile is a Persian kalamkari, likely intended as a sofreh or rumal, dating from the Qajar period. It is crafted from hand-woven cotton and features decoration applied through a combination of hand-carved wooden blocks and hand-painting. The design is structured in concentric bands emanating from a central eight-pointed star medallion containing floral motifs. A prominent middle band displays a rhythmic chevron or zigzag pattern in alternating red, black, and cream tones. A significant decorative element is the calligraphic border, which comprises eight lobed cartouches containing Persian inscriptions in nasta’liq script. The final outer border consists of repeating oval medallions, each housing a stylised floral spray. The textile utilises a traditional natural dye palette of madder red, indigo blue, and black on an unbleached cream ground. The reverse of the piece shows the mirrored print.

D: 105cm