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17th-Century Medallion Carpet - Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna
The 17th-century Medallion Carpet from Northwest Persia, housed in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna, is a masterpiece of Persian weaving. Measuring 635 x 330 cm, it features an intricate medallion designwith floral and animal motifs, including lions, oxen, hares, dogs, ducks, and peacocks. Crafted with a Persian knot technique, it boasts 303,800 knots per square meter, using unbleached cotton warp, red wool double weft, and a wool pile. The symmetrical composition, rich symbolism, and masterful craftsmanship make it a historically significant Persian rug, showcasing the elegance and artistry of traditional Persian carpet weaving.
All-Over Animal and Floral Carpet: The carpet Museum of Iran
The All-Over Animal and Floral Carpet, a 17th-century masterpiece from Tabriz, exemplifies the rich artistry of Persian rug weaving. Now housed in the Carpet Museum of Iran, this rug features intricate designs depicting wildlife, trees, and symbolic motifs, blending Persian and Chinese influences. Its technical excellence includes a silk warp, cotton weft, and wool pile, with a high knot density of 489,600 knots per square meter. This exquisite piece reflects Persian storytelling and craftsmanship, making it a significant artifact for collectors and historians alike.
A Rare Persian Kilim from the Mausoleum of Sheikh Safi al-Din
his 17th-century Persian kilim, housed in the Iran Bastan Museum in Tehran, originates from the mausoleum of Sheikh Safi al-Din in Ardebil. Unlike traditional kilims, it lacks slits, showcasing advanced craftsmanship. The design features two large vases filled with flowers, enclosed in an arabesque, with floral embellishments across the field. The border is adorned with elongated cartouches and interwoven medallions. Reflecting Safavid-era artistry, this kilim is a testament to Persian weaving heritage. Persian Carpet Gallery offers a curated collection of authentic Persian kilims and rugs for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Silk Kilim from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, Lugano
The Silk Kilim from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection in Lugano, Switzerland, is a rare 17th-century Safavid-era Persian kilim from Kashan, Central Persia. Also known as the Figdor Kilim, it is a tapestry-woven masterpiececrafted with silk and silver-threaded silk weft, measuring 197 x 129 cm (78 x 51 inches).
This exquisite kilim features elongated medallions filled with intricate animal motifs, some depicting animals in dynamic interactions. The surrounding arabesque border enhances its elegance, distinguishing it from other Kashan kilims. Considered one of the earliest Safavid kilims, it showcases advanced Persian weaving techniques and reflects the artistic excellence of the Safavid dynasty.
Now housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, this silk kilim remains a priceless artifact, representing the pinnacle of historical Persian textile artistry.
17th Century Persian Silk Carpet in the Staatliche Museen, Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin
This 17th-century Persian silk carpet, originating from Isfahan or Kashan during the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, is a true masterpiece of Persian craftsmanship. Currently housed in Staatliche Museen, Berlin, it features an intricate arabesque design, silk pile enriched with silver and gold-gilt threads, and an extraordinary knot density of 740,000 knots per square meter.
Part of the famous 'Polonaise' carpets, these luxurious pieces were highly sought after by European royalty. This specific carpet was gifted by Prince Jean of Liechtenstein, further emphasizing its prestige. A nearly identical version is held in a private collection.
Persian silk carpets remain among the most valuable and collectible rugs, admired for their unparalleled craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and historical significance. Their timeless beauty and investment value make them a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Explore more about authentic Persian rugs and their legacy at Persian Carpet Gallery.
Silk Carpet with Cloud-Bands - In the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna
This exquisite 17th-century Persian silk carpet, originating from Isfahan or Kashan, is a stunning example of Safavid-era craftsmanship. Measuring 214 x 141 cm, it features 300,000 knots per square meter and is woven entirely from silk, with silver and gilt thread embroidery enhancing its luxurious appeal.
Belonging to the famed ‘Polonaise’ type, this masterpiece showcases wide cloud-bands enclosing intricate arabesques, complemented by a variety of floral motifs. The unique border, featuring a meandering brown band over a green background, sets it apart from traditional Persian rug designs.
Housed in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna, this carpet stands as a testament to the artistic and technical excellence of Persian weaving, admired by collectors and historians worldwide.
The Exquisite Floral Carpet in the Carpet Museum of Iran in Tehran
The Floral Carpet, a masterpiece from 16th-century Central Persia (Isfahan), is housed in the Carpet Museum of Iran, Tehran. Measuring 380 x 296 cm, it features an impressive 420,000 Persian knots per square meter, with a beige cotton warp and weft and a wool pile.
Its intricate floral and arabesque motifs, along with an exquisitely detailed border, closely resemble a similar piece in the Österreichisches Museum für Angewandte Kunst (MAK), Vienna, suggesting it was woven in Isfahan’s renowned workshops. A testament to Safavid-era craftsmanship, this carpet reflects the rich artistic heritage of Persian weaving and remains a symbol of elegance and cultural significance.
All-Over Animal and Floral Carpet: A Masterpiece of 16th-Century Persian Weaving
The All-Over Animal and Floral Carpet is a 16th-century Persian masterpiece, likely from Isfahan, and is now part of the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst (MAK) in Vienna. Measuring 185 x 120 cm, this fragment represents one-eighth of the original rug and remains well-preserved, apart from areas affected by dye mordants.
With an impressive knot density of 515,900 knots per square meter, the rug features a yellow silk warp, double weft of light brown silk, and a fine wool pile. Its intricate design showcases mythical and natural motifs, including a lion battling an ox, a leopard, a dragon, and a deer, set among palmettes and floral patterns. The three-band borderfeatures medallions, cloud bands, and arabesques, reflecting Safavid-era artistic excellence.
This carpet is a testament to Persian craftsmanship, embodying the rich artistic heritage of Safavid Persia, making it a treasured piece for collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts.
The Magnificent ‘Vase’ Carpet: A 16th-Century Persian Masterpiece
The ‘Vase’ Carpet, dating back to the late 16th century, is a stunning example of Persian craftsmanship, currently preserved at the Carpet Museum of Iran, Tehran. Measuring 409 cm x 353 cm, this masterpiece features an impressive 275,000 Persian knots per square meter, crafted with unbleached cotton warp and weft and a wool pile.
Scholars debate its origin, with some, like Arthur Upham Pope, attributing it to Joshagan, while others suggest Isfahan or Kerman, both major carpet-weaving centers of the Safavid era. Characterized by intricate floral and vase motifs, this carpet reflects the artistic brilliance of its time.
A timeless treasure, the ‘Vase’ Carpet remains a symbol of Persia’s rich cultural heritage and exceptional weaving traditions.
The Exquisite Animal Carpet of Isfahan
The 16th-century Isfahan Animal Carpet, housed in the Carpet Museum of Iran, is a masterpiece of Persian craftsmanship. Measuring 233 x 168 cm, it features 30,400 Persian knots per sq. meter, with a raw silk warp, beige cotton weft, and wool pile. The design showcases harmoniously arranged animal motifs, all facing the same direction, contrasted by geometric cartouches in the border. This balance between movement and structure reflects the elegance of Safavid-era weaving, making it a timeless representation of Persian artistry.
Silk Animal Carpet: Another Masterpiece of Isfahan Weavers.
The Silk Animal Carpet, crafted in Isfahan during the late 16th century, is a stunning example of Persian artistry, currently preserved at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Measuring 124 x 109 cm, this rug boasts an impressive 1,287,000 knots per square meter, woven with yellow silk warp, double silk weft, and silk pile.
Its intricate design features a vibrant array of flowers and foliage, with four wild beasts attacking their prey and five other animals standing independently. The border is adorned with daisies, leaves, pomegranates, lion heads, and arabesques, highlighting Persian symbolism and meticulous craftsmanship.This carpet is part of the esteemed collection of “animal carpets,” known for their exceptional fineness and historical value, making it a timeless treasure of Persian weaving.
Floral Carpet with Arabesques – A Masterpiece of Persian Weaving
This exquisite 16th-century Persian rug from Mashhad is a testament to the golden age of Persian carpet weaving. Commissioned by Shah Abbas the Great, it confirms Mashhad’s prominence as a weaving center during the Safavid era. Measuring 560 x 354 cm, the rug features an impressive density of 490,000 knots per square meter, with a wool pile and flat-woven silver thread, creating a stunning relief effect. Its intricate floral patterns and arabesques showcase Persian artistic brilliance. Remarkably well-preserved, this masterpiece remains a symbol of elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage, housed in the Shrine of the Mosque at Mashhad.