Antique Qashqai Bahram and Lion

This Qashqai Persian carpet featuring King Bahram and the Lion, circa 1940, consists of hand-knotted handspun sheep’s wool with a hand-knotted handspun camel hair background and vegetable dyes. Its central field depicts the story of king Bahram and the lion from Ferdowsi’s “Shahnameh.” Vibrant hues balance the neutral background tones of the field and border, with golds, reds, and blues distributed among shades of cream and camel. Lines of four throughout the border represent the four elements of earth, wind, fire and water, while peacocks in the field represent royalty and flowers throughout the design symbolize purity. This carpet is in excellent vintage condition.