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The Czartoryski Carpet

17th century
Not on view
The coat of arms on this carpet (in the center and at each end) was mistakenly understood to belong to the Polish Czartoryski family; consequently, the term "Polonaise" was applied to this carpet and others like it. The field is filled with flowers, leaves, and scrolling vines, all typical of Persian carpet design of this period. Polonaise carpets are noted for their extensive use of silk and metal-wrapped silk thread. The somewhat muted colors are due to the silk pile; though valued for its strength and softness, silk does not hold dye as well as wool and its color quickly fades. Polonaise carpets were created both for the local Iranian market and for presentation and sale to Europeans.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Czartoryski Carpet
  • Date: 17th century
  • Geography: Made in Iran, probably Isfahan
  • Medium: Cotton (warp), silk (weft and pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetrically knotted pile, brocaded
  • Dimensions: Rug:
    H. 191 1/2 in. (486.4 cm)
    W. 85 5/8 in. (217.5 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Rugs
  • Credit Line: Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, by exchange, 1945
  • Object Number: 45.106
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

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
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
Book of Prayers, Surat al-Yasin and Surat al-Fath, Ahmad Nairizi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper<br/>Binding: lacquer
Book of Prayers, Surat al-Yasin and Surat al-Fath
Ahmad Nairizi
Muhammad Hadi
dated 1132 AH/1719–20 CE

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