Ancient Blessings, Persia

$5,400

Antique silk rug from Kashan

A Rare Persian Silk Masterpiece Depicting Moses, Aaron, and the Twelve Tribes

Size: 0.66m x 0.91m | Material: Silk | Detail: 50,000 knots per 10 cm2

Handwoven in Kashan, Iran, around a century ago, this exceptional silk rug was commissioned by David Jacob, a member of the city’s prominent Jewish community. Such rugs were often specially ordered by wealthy Jewish families, blending personal devotion with the region’s celebrated textile artistry.

The composition vividly portrays Moses with the Tablets of the Law and Aaron in his priestly garments, framed by grand architectural columns. At its center, the Ark of the Covenant appears in stunning detail, flanked by cherubim.

Below, the tender scene of baby Moses drawn from the Nile anchors the narrative. Twelve medallions depicting the symbols of Israel’s tribes crown the composition, while intricate rosettes, vines, and regal lions integrate Persian design with timeless Jewish tradition. The inscription on bottom, written Judeo-Persian, records the rug’s owner and the city of origin.

A rare and important textile, this piece embodies both the grandeur of Persian craftsmanship and the rich heritage of Iran’s Jewish community.