Palace Carpet, British Royal Commission, Woven in the Caucasus

We are honored to present:
An exceptional textile work, born from a dialogue between British royal history and the refinement of Caucasian weaving. This carpet, rich in symbols, memory, and prestige, embodies an art in the service of sovereignty and diplomacy.
A rare object, worthy of the most illustrious collections.

Caucasian Carpet of Royal Commission – Elizabethan Inspiration, 19th Century

Key Features:

Origin: Commissioned in the Caucasus, 19th century

Depiction: Royal Arms of Queen Elizabeth I (dated 1600)

Motifs: "Honi soit qui mal y pense," crowned lion, heraldic dragon, royal crown

Probable Use: Honorary commission, diplomatic gift, royal collector’s piece

We offer for sale an exceptional historically inspired carpet, made in the 19th century in the Caucasus, faithfully depicting the Royal Arms of Queen Elizabeth I of England, dated to the year 1600.

Central Coat of Arms:
At the center, surrounded by repeated floral motifs, is a large coat of arms inscribed “Queen Elizabeth.”

These are the royal arms of England under the reign of Elizabeth I (Queen from 1558 to 1603), consisting of:

Three gold lions passant guardant on a red field: Traditional symbols of England.

Three gold fleurs-de-lis on a blue field: Emblem of France, claimed by English monarchs since the Hundred Years’ War.

These two symbols are quartered, i.e., divided into four sections, representing the historical claim of the English crown over France.

Supporters and Crown:
The arms are supported by two emblematic animals:

Left: Crowned Lion – symbol of courage, royalty, and England.

Right: Dragon – often associated with Wales, here stylized and blue, a rare interpretation, possibly reflecting a Caucasian artistic influence.

The crown above the shield is that of the British sovereigns – an imperial crown symbolizing the supreme and indivisible power of the monarch.

Motto: “Honi soit qui mal y pense”
Around each coat of arms (including the central one) is the motto of the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious British order of chivalry: “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (Old French for “Shame on him who thinks evil of it”).
It means: “Shame be to him who thinks evil of it.”
The Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III in 1348 and remains active today.

Year Inscription: 1600
The date “1600” is clearly depicted on the carpet, indicating that it pays tribute to the later years of Elizabeth I’s reign, shortly before her death in 1603.
This enhances the historical value of the piece, suggesting it may have been a celebratory or diplomatic commission in honor of the queen.

Caucasian Origin:
The creation of this carpet in the Caucasus—a region renowned for its fine and sophisticated weaving—is particularly notable.
It may have been a diplomatic or symbolic commission for the English court, or a commemorative work produced within the context of cultural and political exchanges between East and West.

Conclusion: A Textile Treasure of Exceptional Value
This carpet is a museum-quality object.
It is not merely an example of antique textile art, but a historical document in itself, woven with royal symbols, political ambition, and intercultural dialogue. Its rarity, condition, and symbolism fully justify the proposed valuation—potentially even higher within a context of a discerning collector, museum, or heritage institution.

Asking Price: €40,000
Negotiable only for heritage institutions or certified collectors