Persian-Jewish Carpet – "Shiviti", Tablets of the Law and Elijah the Prophet – Iran, 1960s

A wool and silk carpet decorated with the Tablets of the Law and with the figures of Elijah the Prophet, Moses, Aaron the Priest and Abraham. [Tabriz (Iran), 1960s].
The carpet is designed as an arched gate with two narrow gates on both sides; within each gate are two pictures. Dividing between the pictures are wide bands with inscriptions and verses. On top of the central gate – a sun with the inscription "Keter Torah" in its center. Below the sun – the Tablets of the Law with cherubs on both their sides, and the inscription "Shiviti Hashem Lenegdi Tamid" above them, and below – a long inscription opening with the words "Da lifney mi ata omed" and continuing with verses from the Book of Deuteronomy. The bottom picture shows Elijah the prophet being lifted to heaven in a chariot of fire. The side gates show Moses drawing water from the rock, Moses with the Tablets of the Law, the Binding of Isaac and Aaron lighting the Menorah. Round medallions with the symbols of the Tribes of Israel are set in the arches of the gates. The flags of the Tribes of Zebulun and Gad were replaced with the flag of Israel.
149.5X160 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Torn and lacking fringes. Bands sewn to the margins on the back of the carpet. Rings for suspension on the back.
Literature: Jewish Carpets, by Anton Felton. London: Antique Collectors' Club, 1997. Item no. 5.
Provenance: Collection of Anton Felton.