A SENNEH GALLERY CARPET

This example is a rare pictorial Senneh carpet with alternating medallions containing the royal Persian sun and lion emblem. This motif dates back to the pre-Islamic Mithraic cults and Zoroastrian religion of ancient Persia: originally an astrological symbol mystically linking fire and water, it was transformed into a royal symbol during the Sasanian period (224-642 A.D.), becoming ubiquitous in Safavid art (1501-1722). It continues to be a symbol of the Iranian community in exile to this day. This particular emblem is the royal sun and lion of the Qajar period (1785-1925). For more, see Parviz Tanavoli, Lion Rugs: The Lion in the Art and Culture of Iran, Basel, 1985.