Blogs
Medallion and Animal Carpet
The Medallion and Animal Carpet, a masterpiece from 16th-century Tabriz in Northwest Persia, reflects the Iranian concept of Paradise. Housed in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, this fragment features a lush garden landscape with blossoming trees, flowing streams, and diverse animals, symbolizing harmony and abundance. Made with Persian knots, yellow silk warp, silk weft, and a wool pile, it exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of the Safavid era. The other half of this rug is preserved in Cracow, Poland, while a larger, more intricate example exists in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. These rugs are cultural artifacts that celebrate Persian artistry and spiritual symbolism.
Medallion and Arabesque Carpet
This Persian medallion carpet, attributed to Tabriz in the 17th century, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Measuring 802 x 412 cm, it features a dense knotting of 620,000 knots per square meter, with a cotton warp, silk weft, and wool pile.
The central design showcases a circular medallion flanked by cartouches and arabesques, surrounded by slender, flower-adorned branches. Stylized red tulip-like flowers, "cloud-band" motifs (tchi), and vibrant peacocks add life and color to the field. The triple-bordered frame includes spiraling branches and stylized flowers, combining elegance and intricate detail.
A gift from the Kress Foundation, this carpet is a stunning example of Persian artistry, celebrated for its extraordinary beauty and technical mastery.
The Hunting Rug
Discover the exquisite Hunting Carpet from 16th-century North-west Persia, housed at the Museo Poldi-Pezzoli in Milan. This finely crafted Persian rug features 409,200 knots per square meter, with silk warp, cotton weft, and wool pile. Showcasing a central medallion, hunters, and vibrant animal motifs, it embodies Persian artistry. Once owned by the Italian Royal Family, this masterpiece endured a fragmented past but remains a symbol of cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Perfect for enthusiasts of Persian rugs and historic textiles.
“Garden” Carpet: A Masterpiece of Persian Artistry
The “Garden” carpet, originating from northwest Persia in the early 16th century, is the earliest known example of the garden design. Likely crafted in Heriz, it features a vibrant layout of canals with fish, ducks, medallions adorned with birds, deer, and blossoms, all framed by a floral border. Woven with wool, cotton, and silk, it boasts intricate craftsmanship with 307,200 knots per square meter. This historic masterpiece, once part of the Figdor Collection, now resides in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna.
The Significance of Carpets in Iranian Culture
The traditional Iranian home, often minimalist in terms of furniture, underscores the central role of carpets in both daily life and artistic expression. Iranians showcase their deep appreciation for intricate design through ceramics, metalwork, and especially textiles. Among these, the rug stands as the most esteemed, functional, and comfortable element.