Persian Kalamkari Textile With Peacocks, Lion With Sword, And Carnations . Cm 336 X 168

Persian Kalamkari Textile with Peacocks, Lion with Sword, and Carnations

Block print with hand-painted details on cotton

Persia, 19th – early 20th century

Approximately 168 x 336 cm

Large Persian kalamkari textile, printed with carved wooden blocks and hand-finished on light cotton, dating from the 19th or early 20th century.

The symmetrical composition features confronted peacocks, stylized cypresses, vegetal patterns, and a central scene with a lion holding a sword beside an anthropomorphic sun — an emblem traditionally associated with the Qajar dynasty of Iran.

Several calligraphic cartouches appear in nastaliq script, one of which can be interpreted as:

“Beauty is eternal in the garden of the heart.”

Among the floral motifs, clearly identifiable stylized carnations appear, along with buds and winding branches, rendered in warm tones of rust, faded rose, and black.

Likely produced in Shiraz or Isfahan, this textile was intended for ceremonial or decorative use.

Good overall condition, with minor stains and small, negligible holes consistent with age.