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'Holbein' Carpet, Wool; symmetrically (?) knotted pile

'Holbein' Carpet

Object Name:
Carpet
Date:
15th–16th century
Geography:
Country of Origin Turkey
Medium:
Wool; symmetrically (?) knotted pile
Dimensions:
L. 109 in. x W. 80 in.
Classification:
Textiles-Rugs
Credit Line:
Gift from the Collection of Hillary Black Dumas and Dr. D. Gilbert Dumas, 2009
Accession Number:
2009.458.1
Not on view
Named after a famous portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger that depicts a similar carpet draped over a table, the pattern of this early Turkish carpet is one of the most fundamental of all carpet designs. Many other carpet patterns are derived from its arrangement of small knotlike medallions and diamond-shaped strapwork. Its interlaced border is related to the kufic border found in many early 'Lotto' carpets. "Holbein" carpets were woven in Anatolia as early as the fourteenth century, and became popular in Europe from the fifteenth century onward.
[ Jean Solari, Nice, France, until 1980; sold to Black Dumas]; Hillary Black Dumasand D. Gilbert Dumas, Kensington, CA (1980–2009; gifted to MMA)
"Ellis in Holbeinland." Oriental Carpet and Textile Studies vol. I (1985). no. R-69, p. 74.

Canby, Sheila R. "The Islamic Galleries at The Met." Arts of Asia, Arts of Asia, vol. 42 (September/October 2012). pp. 87, 89, ill. fig. 11 (color).

Denny, Walter B. How to Read Islamic Carpets. New Haven and London: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2014.

Timelines
Balkan Peninsula, 1400-1600 A.D.

How to Read Islamic Carpets

Islamic Art (15,065)
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