Important Notice

YAZD, IRAN, LATE 19TH CENTURY
Handspun and handwoven cotton warp and weft with silk-velvet ikat pile, natural dyes
44 x 188.75 in (112 x 480 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE


The Persian word sofreh is derived from the Arabic sofreh, meaning table cover. It refers to a ritual cloth that is spread on the ground on which to place sacred offerings, usually food. These cloths were used in Fire Temples or at ceremonies such as those associated with rites of passage, marriage and mourning.

Yazd was the centre of Zoroastrianism in Iran and many ritual textiles were made there. Some had simple striped designs, or were woven in a monotone colour, while others were more elaborate. This velvet ikat sofreh is an unusual piece as it combines the techniques of both ikat and velvet weaving. The narrow band in the centre hosts a row of diamonds, each filled with smaller diamonds and flanked on four sides by a small flower with leaves on either side. The border is more typical of the ikat design with small medallions placed within narrow bands.

While the ikat technique has survived, the one to make velvet was lost over time, making the present lot an extremely rare and important piece. Jasleen Dhamija acquired this piece from a Zoroastrian family living in Yazd, in 1971-72. Ritual sofreh can, on occasion, be found with some old Parsi families where they are still used for their rituals.

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