of Mozaffar ad-Din Shah, Heriz, Northwest Persia (Iran), c. 145 x 118 cm, late 19th century, a carpet of cultural-historical importance belonging to the fifth Qajar king of Persia reigning from 1896 until January 1907. This item features an upper cartouche with an inscription reading: “Schah in Schah, Muzafar ad-Din Schah Oadjareh”, as well as a lower cartouche with the lettering: “Congratulations and much happiness to the Shah”. The upper panel shows the “Kiani Crown” decorated with gold, velvet, pearls, emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The Kiani Crown was the traditional coronation crown used during the Qajar dynasty (1796–1925). Mozaffar ad-Din Shah travelled widely across many parts of Europe, including Austria in about 1905, where he met Emperor Franz Josef I. The present silk carpet, which he probably received as a gift on the occasion of his coronation, remained in Vienna. It is no longer possible to establish the carpet’s sequences of formal ownership until today. The present item is heavily worn, with low silk pile in the upper finish and patchwork-like supplementary parts in the three corners. Secured on the back with soft goatskin all around and in the upper section.

Provenance:
Mozaffar ad-Din Shah from 1896 until 1905.

Remained in Austria from 1905 onwards.