Antique Khamseh rug, Arab tribe, early 20Th century. 303 x 189cm ( 119”x 74,5”). South Persia Tribal An imposing classic three medallions piece, formerly part of The Kosow Collection, the most important private collection of Fars tribal rugs. Medallions and the midnight-blue field are thickly covered with birds and animals, plus representations of the ancient and mythical ‘bird guardian of the rain’, with two heads and a flower growing on its back. a couple of strange ‘camel-like birds’ appear on the sides of the field next to the center medallion, four triangles form their bodies, wings and tails. The ornamentation of the lower and upper medallions is organized around a palmette, and in the central medallion, around an infinite plant, this symbolizing the eternal growth of existence of the ‘tree of life’. The border system features the main guard called “laleh” (tulip), which represent an early candelabrum, usual in Afshar pieces. Very good condition, even medium to low pile all around. Complete with full kilims at both ends, a feature hard to find in pieces of this age. This rug was published in the book “ Rugs & Art”, Hali pl, London 2017, Plate 2, Pages 28 and 29.