Bezalel Rug – Herzl's Cedar – Jerusalem, Early 20th Century

Bezalel Rug – Herzl's Cedar – Jerusalem, Early 20th Century
A small pictorial rug depicting Herzl's Cedar, made by Bezalel. Jerusalem, [between 1906 and 1914].
Wool knot-pile on cotton foundation.
The central panel depicts the cypress tree planted by Theodor Herzl in the colony of Motza during his visit to Palestine in 1898. (The tree is erroneously thought to be a cedar; thus the name ‘Herzl’s Cedar’). The tree is shown on a background of barren hills, growing out of a mound of stones. Inscribed at the bottom ‘Herzl's Cedar’ (in Hebrew), as well as ‘Bezalel, Jerusalem’ (in Hebrew) within the top and bottom borders.
60X82.5 cm. Good condition. Several minor repairs. Fringe partly lacking and worn. Suspension strap sewn along upper edge, on verso.
Literature:
1. Jewish Carpets, by Anton Felton. Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 1997, p. 101.
2. HALI Magazine, Issue 92, May-June 1997, p. 108.
Provenance: The Anton Felton Collection.