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Khorasan-type carpet fragment, late 16th or early 17th century; Safavid
Iran
Cotton and silk (foundation), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile; L. 46 3/4 in. (118.7 cm), W. 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm)
Purchase, The Page & Otto Marx Jr. Foundation Gift and Rogers Fund, 2001 (2001.54)

Among the rarest of all classical Persian carpets is the Khorasan type, from northeastern Iran. Early Khorasan carpets survive only in fragmentary form, and this particular example is one of five known fragments from a carpet made in the Safavid period. Originally part of the right border, its decoration consists of a pattern of elaborate cartouches alternating with octafoil medallions that contain open blossoms. Despite its fragmented state, the piece is in excellent condition, with good pile and splendid colors in dark blue, golden yellow, ivory, and red.


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    Khorasan-type carpet fragment, late 16th or early 17th century; Safavid
    Iran
    Cotton and silk (foundation), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile; L. 46 3/4 in. (118.7 cm), W. 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm)
    Purchase, The Page & Otto Marx Jr. Foundation Gift and Rogers Fund, 2001 (2001.54)