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Polonaise Carpet

17th century
Not on view
This carpet, one of a matching pair, belongs to a type known as "Polonaise," noted for its silk pile, pastel color palette, and extensive use of gold- and silver-metal-wrapped thread. The designation "Polonaise" reflects the (incorrect) nineteenth-century belief that carpets of this type were from Poland, a notion derived from the presence of similar carpets bearing European coats of arms. In fact, these carpets were made in Iran and shipped abroad in large numbers. Many were also brought to Europe by Persian embassies as gifts from the shahs, and some were commissioned in Iran by visiting Europeans. Though Polonaise carpets are relatively common, the design of overlapping cartouches seen here is rare.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Polonaise Carpet
  • Date: 17th century
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Isfahan or Kashan
  • Medium: Cotton (warp and weft), silk (weft and pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetrically knotted pile, brocaded
  • Dimensions: L. 160 in. (406.4 cm)
    W. 69 5/8 in. (176.8 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Rugs
  • Credit Line: Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr., 1950
  • Object Number: 50.190.1
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

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Polonaise Carpet, Cotton (warp and weft), silk (weft and pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetrically knotted pile, brocaded
Polonaise Carpet
17th century
'Polonaise' Carpet, Cotton (warp and weft), silk (weft and pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetrically knotted pile, brocaded
'Polonaise' Carpet
17th century
'Polonaise' Carpet, Cotton (warp and weft), silk (weft and pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetrically knotted pile, brocaded
'Polonaise' Carpet
first half 17th century
Man with Prayer Beads, Muhammad `Ali, Ink, transparent and opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Man with Prayer Beads
Muhammad `Ali
mid-17th century
Study of a Bird, Riza-yi 'Abbasi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
Study of a Bird
Riza-yi 'Abbasi
dated 1043 AH/1634 CE

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