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Pashmina carpet with niche-and-millefleur pattern
Northern India, Kashmir, second half of the 18th century
Pashmina wool on cotton foundation. 6' 2 1/4'' x 4'
Gift of Joseph V. McMullan, 1970 (1970.302.7)

This rug from the reign of Aurangzeb incorporates a millefleur design developed from European influences combined with a trend toward reducing the scale of ornamental elements. The flowers are stiff and schematized, moving away from the naturalistic flower designs of the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan. This niche carpet was probably utilized in a decorative way, not as a prayer rug.