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This is the Most Important & Rare Ancient Islamic Silk Textile from Iran Persia Al-Buyid Dynasty

Al-Buyid Dynasty

945 - 1055 A.D.

Size 30" x 25"
Size 76 x 64cm

Similar Textile is in Museum of Yazd Iran  

Below are Detail Images, the last two Images are from Tars & Poods Museum of Yazd Iran

Tars and Poods Museum In this post, we will examine (the two-sided silk fabric of the Al-Buyid era with the design of the bird of happiness); one of the prominent and valuable works of the Tars and Poods Museum in Yazd. This two-sided silk fabric, which was found as a shroud covering from the cemetery of the city of Ray, dates back to the Al-Buyid era (440-310 AH). This dynasty had a significant impact on the revival of culture and art; so much so that their period is recognized as a renaissance and cultural renewal. Upon careful examination of this historical artifact, we realize that kings at that time recorded historical information on fabrics through inscriptions. The fabrics from this era include writings that mention the name of the location and date. Specifically, the two-sided silk fabric with Kufi script begins with the phrase Bismillah (In the name of God), indicating the importance and value of this fabric. On the border of this fabric, the name of the ruler and his title are found, and at the end, his place of birth and date are mentioned. In the center of this piece, the bird of happiness is depicted; a bird that symbolizes happiness in Iranian culture. With careful attention to this historical piece, we realize that kings of that time recorded historical information on fabrics through inscriptions. The textiles of this period include writings that mention the name of the place and the date. Specifically, a silk textile with the two-pod design featuring Kufic script, starting with the phrase Bismillah, indicates the significance and value of this fabric. On the edge of this textile, the name of the ruler and his title are inscribed, along with his place of birth and the date at the end. In the center of this piece, the bird of happiness is depicted; a bird that symbolizes happiness and good fortune for the youth in Iranian culture. Birds essentially embody deities and spirits and act as messengers of new opportunities. It can be said that these symbols have a strong connection to the religious beliefs and traditions of the people during the Buyid era. We invite you to meet this amazing piece; come and join us on this journey into the depths of history and the rich culture of Iran.

Textiles Found in Tombs in Ray, Iran
In the Buyid period (10th–12th centuries CE), textiles were among the most valuable artifacts recovered from tombs in Ray, a historically significant city in Tehran province. Excavations at sites such as the Bibi-Shahrbānu Monument and the Naqqāreh-Khāneh uncovered 26 inscribed textiles that provide insight into Buyid culture, trade, and religious beliefs 
Nature and Materials
These textiles were primarily silk fabrics, reflecting the high value of silk production in medieval Iran. They were often used as shrouds for the deceased, as coverings for tombs, or buried with the body as grave goods. The silk was decorated with embroidered or woven inscriptions in Kufic or Naskh scripts, recording religious or commemorative texts 
Motifs and Symbolism
The Buyid textiles feature a mix of ancient Iranian and Islamic cultural elements. Common motifs include:

Trees – symbolizing life, eternity, and the afterlife.

Birds – often linked to the soul’s journey and the next world.

Riders – possibly representing spiritual or royal imagery.

Human figures reflecting human values and the afterlife

These motifs combined pre-Islamic Iranian symbolism with Islamic religious themes, reflecting the cultural synthesis of the Buyid era.
Inscriptions and Religious Content
Most inscriptions are religious in nature, aligning with the Buyid governors Islamic worldview. The contrast between pre-Islamic visual motifsand Islamic script content highlights the blending of traditions in the region. Archaeological Context
The textiles were found in tomb towers and within tombs, some in the rubble of the citadel. Early 20th-century excavations by Eric Schmidt documented their locations, though record-keeping was sometimes incomplete Modern research has mapped their finds and analyzed weaving techniques to better understand their origins and functions.Significance<
These textiles are important because they:

Buyid textile production and trade networks. cultural and religious Synthesis of the period.material evidence of burial customs and the role of silk in elite funerary practices.

In summary, the textiles from Ray's tombs are not only rare and beautiful artifacts but also key sources for understanding the art, religion, and social values of the Buyid period in Iran