Decorative Persian Rug, Circa 1920

Decorative carpet, Khoy Khanate, Persian, circa 1920. An important territory ruled by the Donboli clan in Khoy, Persian Azerbaijan, this geographical area was a center of considerable strategic importance due to the salt mines. The graphic layout is very interesting, with pairs of wild animals such as panthers and striped hyenas, wild fallow deer and large blue birds set in a flower garden. Hyenas express wickedness or meanness among human tendencies. The juxtaposition of the dragon and the hyena therefore symbolizes the struggle between good and evil. The dragon has been replaced by the eslimi motif which in this carpet is the reworked grid that resembles a climbing plant. The cartouche border in alternating red and cream colors is also occupied by animals. The unusual color of the background makes it unique. Dimensions: 352x247 cm. Condition: heavy wear, the edge has some missing parts, the carpet is slightly crooked (reduced over time).