Description:

Lot 270. A QAJAR FELT DERVISH HAT
Late 19th Century, Iran

This rare felt dervish hat (kulah) from the Qajar period is an exceptional example of devotional headwear used by Sufi mystics in Iran. Crafted from cream-coloured felt, the hat is richly decorated with black silk embroidery forming stylised floral motifs and Persian calligraphic inscriptions arranged within lobed cartouches.

The calligraphy and ornamentation are meticulously rendered in raised stitching, creating both visual depth and tactile texture. The inscriptions are interspersed with scrolling arabesques, while the dome features radiating petal motifs reminiscent of a blossoming flower—symbolic of divine enlightenment in Sufi thought.

Such hats were worn by dervishes during religious gatherings (samaʿ) and processions, embodying spiritual humility and devotion. The combination of elegant textile craftsmanship with spiritual symbolism reflects the Qajar fascination with ornamental refinement and pious identity.

Height: 16 cm

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

November 7, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 31% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000