The Qajar dynasty in Iran (1779-1925) was a relatively peaceful period. Two long-reigning leaders, Fath ‘Ali Shah and his grandson Nasir al-Din Shar, embraced their power with the luxurious trappings of Persian kingship. While the elder monarch took comfort in tradition, his grandson welcomed technological innovations and goods imported from the West, including fine cotton and textiles.
This decorative hanging was made locally in Iran in the late 19th century. At the time, plain-woven cloth comprised the majority of Qajar textile production. Fabric was decorated using a variety of techniques, including painting, stamping and printing individual patterns with hand-carved wooden blocks. A single color — usually red, blue or yellow — was applied with each block. The Persian word “qalamkār” (or kalamkari) means “pen work,” a reference to the tool used to draw the design on cloth before printing.
This kalamkari textile is rich with concentrated detail. In the center, a large cypress tree appears to grow from a mountain of rocks, possibly symbolizing immortality. Flowers, undulating vines, peacocks and small, teardrop-shaped buta motifs add to the vertical symmetry. Two lions represent fierce animal combat and probably also imperial power.
Similar Iranian and Indian kalamkari hangings created during this period can be found in a handful of collections. While they were probably made with the same techniques and materials, the symmetrical design and block placement of this textile are a result of the artist’s creative discretion. No two artworks are exactly the same.
