A Masterpiece of Garden Design: 19th-Century Tabriz Silk Carpet (c. 1870)

Overview

This exceptional silk carpet from Tabriz, woven around 1870, represents one of the most refined traditions of Persian textile art. Created during the late Qajar period, it reflects the long-standing artistic heritage of Tabriz, a city celebrated for its technical excellence, intricate designs, and luxurious materials.

With a remarkably high knot density and a sophisticated garden composition, this carpet embodies both artistic symbolism and masterful craftsmanship.

Technical Specifications

• Origin: Tabriz, Northwest Persia

• Date: Circa 1870

• Dimensions: 544 × 314 cm (approx. 214 × 124 inches)

• Knot Type: Turkish (Symmetrical) knot

• Knot Density: Approximately 720,000 knots per square metre

• Foundation: White silk warp with double red silk weft

• Pile: Fine silk

The extremely high knot count and all-silk construction indicate that this carpet was likely produced for an elite client or an aristocratic household.

The Garden Concept in Persian Carpets

One of the most fascinating aspects of this Tabriz silk carpet is its compartmental garden design. The field is divided into small sections separated by wide bands decorated with cartouches containing poetic inscriptions.

Each compartment is further divided into four rectangular zones, each filled with different motifs. These motifs are mirrored across the central band, creating perfect balance and harmony throughout the composition.

This structured arrangement represents a stylised Persian garden, an important symbol in Persian art and culture.

Symbolism of the Persian Garden

In Persian tradition, gardens represent:

• Paradise on earth

• Harmony between nature and humanity

• Spiritual balance and order

The geometric division of the carpet reflects the classical “Chahar Bagh” (four-part garden) concept used in Persian architecture and landscaping. This layout symbolises the four rivers of paradise described in ancient Persian and Islamic texts.

The use of poetic inscriptions within the cartouches suggests that the carpet may have had a ceremonial or commemorative purpose, possibly woven for a noble household or special occasion.

The Excellence of Tabriz Weaving

Tabriz has been one of the most influential carpet-weaving centres in Persia for centuries. During the 19th century, its workshops produced carpets known for:

• Exceptional knot density

• Fine silk materials

• Complex, symmetrical designs

• Artistic influences from miniature painting and calligraphy

The use of the Turkish (symmetrical) knot in this piece is typical of Tabriz weaving, contributing to the carpet’s durability and precise pattern definition.

A Carpet as a Work of Art

This silk carpet is not merely a floor covering—it is a textile painting. The repetition of motifs, the poetic cartouches, and the balanced compartments transform the carpet into a symbolic landscape.

Such pieces were often displayed in formal reception rooms, palaces, or important residences, where they served as both decorative masterpieces and cultural statements.

Why Tabriz Silk Carpets Are So Valuable

Collectors and interior designers value antique Tabriz silk carpets because they offer:

• Rare and luxurious silk construction

• High knot density and fine detail

• Strong historical and artistic significance

• Timeless elegance for classic or modern interiors

These carpets are considered investment pieces that appreciate in value over time.

Conclusion

This late-19th-century Tabriz silk carpet is a remarkable example of Persian artistry. Its intricate garden composition, poetic inscriptions, and luxurious silk foundation reflect the cultural depth and technical brilliance of Tabriz weaving.

For collectors and enthusiasts, such carpets represent the peak of Persian craftsmanship—where art, poetry, and textile tradition come together in a single masterpiece.