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Carpet

late 16th–early 17th century
Not on view
This carpet was among those produced for export to Europe and was formerly in the collection of the Royal House of Saxony. Unlike examples with scenes of animal combat or floral patterns within the central medallions, the field of this carpet contains a cross, an apt symbol for a European patron. The leaves with serrated edges, lotus flowers, and overlapping vine scrolls in the corners are typical decorative features of this class of carpet.

Microscopic examination has revealed that the core of the metal-wrapped threads contained two colors of silk-a standard white and an intense red. Red is an unusual color for the core. Also uncommon is the use of two separate metal threads woven together in a single row, each containing a different colored core. Metal strips of both threads, previously gold and silver, are oxidized and appear here as dark gray.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Carpet
  • Date: late 16th–early 17th century
  • Geography: Made in Iran, probably Kashan
  • Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread; tapestry weave
  • Dimensions: L. 93 in. (236.2 cm)
    W. 57 in. (144.8 cm)
    Wt. in mount 138 lbs. (62.6 kg)
  • Classification: Textiles-Rugs
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1931
  • Object Number: 31.70
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Silk Kashan Carpet, Silk (warp, weft and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile
Silk Kashan Carpet
16th century
Silk Animal Carpet, Silk (warp, weft, and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile
Silk Animal Carpet
second half 16th century
Carpet, Silk, metal wrapped thread; tapestry weave
Carpet
late 16th–early 17th century
Carpet, Silk, metal wrapped thread; tapestry weave
Carpet
late 16th–early 17th century
Silk Kashan Carpet, Silk (warp, weft and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile
Silk Kashan Carpet
16th century

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