

Velvet panel with flowering plants, first half of 17th century; Safavid
Iran
Silk, cotton, flat metal thread; cut and voided velvet, brocaded
Iran
Silk, cotton, flat metal thread; cut and voided velvet, brocaded
H. 45 in. (114.3 cm), W. 27 in. (68.6 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1912 (12.72.5)
This type of large-scale floral velvet was most likely intended for use as household furnishing. The individual motifs feature stylized flora framed by foliage, emulating the saz leaf style made popular by black pen illustrations. The repeat is artfully arranged within rows of fantastic flowering plants to create the effect of a seamless pattern. Safavid velvets were among the most expensive fabrics sold on the international market during the seventeenth century and exemplify a preference for luxury and opulence.







