Important Notice

ISFAHAN, IRAN, CIRCA 1930

a) Handspun and handwoven cotton, block printed on both sides, natural dyes, inscribed in Persian at the lower centre
90.25 x 52.25 in (229.4 x 133 cm)

b) Handspun and handwoven cotton, block printed on both sides, natural dyes, inscribed in Persian at the upper and lower centre
92.75 x 51.25 in (235 x 130.7 cm)

(Set of two)


Kalamkari was also fashioned for use in public baths or hamams, where they were used as towels or wraps for carrying bundles of clothing by the nobility. Known as holeh in Iran, in Arabic they were referred to as qatif. Usually rectangular in shape, they had large, elaborate borders with predominantly unadorned centres. Holehs were typically made for both men and women. While designs remained the same, those with a white background were meant for women, and a red background for men. The most striking aspect of these two holehs is that they are evenly printed on both sides, making them very special. It is a rare feat achieved by a highly skilled Kalamkari master, from whom Jasleen Dhamija acquired these two pieces directly.

Almost identical in design, the two holehs in the present lot are predominantly decorated with the boteh motif, popular in Iran where it was known as khadife. They each have borders with four large botehs within which a central boteh stands surrounded by smaller ones. The centre is filled with alternate rows of small botehs, each facing a different direction. In the corners are more elaborate botehs, each facing towards the centre. The narrower edge has an inscription in the centre.

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