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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 Silk Medallion and Arabesque Carpet is a 16th-century Persian masterpiece from Kashan, currently housed in the Musée des Gobelins, Paris. Woven entirely from luxurious yellow silk, it boasts an exceptional knot density of 998,400 knots per square meter, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Safavid era. The design features a central medallion with intricate arabesques and floral motifs, surrounded by a rich red field adorned with stylized clouds and flowers. Its three-band border, with varying widths, highlights delicate arabesques interwoven into a floral seed pattern.

This rug is part of an elite group of 16th-century silk carpets, considered among the finest ever created. A similar piece resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reinforcing its historical and artistic significance. Persian silk carpets from Kashan were often crafted for royal courts, prized for their exquisite detail and luminous silk textures. Today, they remain highly sought-after as both artistic treasures and cultural heirlooms, embodying the grandeur of Persian textile heritage.

This exquisite 16th-century Persian hunting carpet is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring intricate designs woven with yellow silk and silver threads. Measuring 480 x 255 cm, it boasts 187,200 Persian knots per square meter, showcasing exceptional detail. The carpet’s vibrant hunting scene and elegant motifs are comparable to a similar piece in Vienna.

Once owned by a Florentine noble and later acquired by Baron Adolphe de Rothschild, the carpet’s historical journey adds to its allure. It was famously featured in the 1926 publication Altorientalische Teppiche. Preserved in remarkable condition, this rare treasure continues to captivate art and textile enthusiasts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

This magnificent Persian carpet, crafted in Central Persia during the mid-16th century, is a highlight of the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst (MAK) in Vienna. Measuring 760 x 325 cm, it features an impressive knot density of 495,000 knots per square meter, woven with silk warp, silk weft, and wool pile.

The design is divided into four identical sections filled with elegant arabesques, cloud bands, and lush floral patterns. Among the intricate foliage, fierce confrontations between animals—lions, tigers, antelopes, and more—are vividly depicted, symbolizing nature’s beauty and chaos.

This carpet stands as a remarkable example of Persian craftsmanship, reflecting the artistic sophistication of the Safavid era and continuing to captivate art enthusiasts around the world.

The 16th-century Persian prayer rug at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is a masterpiece of Safavid-era craftsmanship. Originating from northwest Persia, it features an intricate cupola-shaped mihrab adorned with palmettes, leaves, flowers, and cloud-bands. Measuring 161 x 105 cm, this rug boasts an astonishing 1,000,000 knots per square meter, showcasing exceptional weaving precision.

Crafted with a light brown cotton warp, natural brown wool weft, and a fine wool pile, it is further enriched with silver-thread brocading wrapped around a silk core, adding a touch of luxury. The rug also features Qur’anic inscriptions in Nasr script, praising Allah, enhancing its spiritual significance.

This historic rug exemplifies the golden age of Persian carpet weaving, blending artistry and devotion, and remains a treasured exhibit at The Met, captivating visitors with its beauty and heritage.