Antique Handwoven Carpet, All-over Layout, Wool on Cotton Warp, Kashan, 135 × 215 cm Ref 10200028

In this antique and exceptional rug, a scene from one of the most enduring tales of classical Persian literature is rendered with striking artistry: the encounter of "Bahram Gur" with the shepherd, drawn from "Nizami Ganjavi"’s "Haft Paykar". At the center, a powerful moment between the king and the shepherd comes to life. In the foreground, a dog is tied to a tree—a symbol of the punishment the shepherd has imposed because the dog betrayed the flock. In the background, the sheep graze peacefully, and the composition—arranged with precise placement of human figures, animals, and nature—unfolds like a living painting. This rug, in the dimensions of 135 × 215 and with an area of 2.91 m² (31.32 ft²), is woven in Kashan. Verses from this story are inscribed along the border with admirable precision, enriching the work’s narrative and literary depth. With a weaving density converted from a count of 55 to approximately 6,200 knots/dm², and an extremely fine weave, it belongs among precious, collectible works in which every knot attests to the weaver’s patience and mastery. This artful rug is a production of the renowned Mohtasham Kashan brand—a name that, relying on ancient authenticity and modern creativity, has earned a distinguished standing among art lovers and collectors. Inspired by mythic narratives, Mohtasham turns form and color into instruments that animate literary imagery. Its wool construction with a cotton warp, together with a multicolored ground and a navy frame along the border, creates an eye-pleasing balance between delicacy and cohesion. This rug is not merely a display of the art of carpet weaving, but a mirror of Iranian thought and wisdom—where narrative, motif, color, and poetry join in chorus to recount an everlasting story. Some of the notable couplets that appear within this rug are as follows: "The accursed dog, driven by desire, left the flock to the wolf. Many times I pardoned him; he erred, and I let it pass. At last I caught him with the wolf; I bound him for such a great offense. From that wise discourse, King Bahram quietly took a lesson. He said to himself: From this old shepherd I learned kingship—what prudent counsel! In the figure of humanity, I am the shepherd; my flock is my subjects.