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The Silk Medallion Carpet
The Silk Medallion Carpet, crafted in Northwest Persia in the first half of the 16th century, exemplifies the artistry of Persian weavers, likely originating from Tabriz. Measuring 250 x 170 cm, it is made from silk and metallic thread, utilizing the Turkish knot technique.
The design features a blend of floral patterns and symbolic motifs, with medallions adorned by four peacocks framed within cartouches and crowned by distinctive "tchi" motifs. The border complements the field with cloud-band motifs encircling decorative cartouches, seamlessly integrating arabesques and floral patterns.
Housed in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, this masterpiece highlights the cultural and artistic excellence of 16th-century Persia.
The Chelsea Rug
This 16th-century Persian rug, housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, is a masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship. Known as the "Chelsea Carpet," it features 738,700 Persian knots per square meter and a luxurious combination of silk and wool. Its intricate design includes medallions, blossoming trees, mythical creatures like phoenixes and dragons, and a serene central pool filled with fish. Sharing a stylistic connection with the famed Ardabil Carpet, it is considered one of the most beautiful rugs in the world, showcasing Persia's rich cultural legacy in carpet weaving.
The Persian Carpet: Up to 1800
Materials Used in Persian Carpets
The extraordinary quality of Persian carpets begins with the fine, supple fleece of Persian sheep, famously known as "oily sheep" due to their fatty skin. This unique wool, prized for its exceptional strength and durability, is primarily used for the pile of the carpet and occasionally for the warp and weft. The pile is typically crafted from two single threads twisted together to create a strong two-strand structure, ensuring longevity and resilience.