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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.

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.

The Silk Kilim at the Textile Museum, Washington, D.C., is a rare 17th-century Persian tapestry-woven rug from Kashan or Isfahan. Made with a silk warp and silk and gold/silver weft, it showcases exceptional craftsmanship with 112 warp threads per 10 cm. Its intricate design features a phoenix and dragon in combat, cranes in flight, and mythical kylins, alongside various animals in its borders. Similar pieces exist in Berlin's Islamisches Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Textile expert M.S. Dimand attributes it to an Isfahan workshop, highlighting the rich Persian weaving heritage.

The 17th-century Silk Kilim from Kashan is a remarkable Persian textile masterpiece, now housed in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst (MAK), Vienna. Woven entirely from silk, this exquisite kilim showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Kashan’s artisans during the Safavid dynasty. Its intricate design, resembling a Persian miniature painting, features delicate floral patterns, human figures, and winged motifs. As one of the finest examples of Persian flatweave art, this kilim highlights the rich heritage of kilim weaving, which predates knotted rugs. A true testament to Persian artistic excellence, it remains an invaluable historical artifact.

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 silk carpet from Isfahan or Kashan is a remarkable example of Persian craftsmanship, currently housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Measuring 206 x 127 cm, it features a silk pile with gold thread, a silk warp, and a cotton weft, showcasing the luxurious materials used in Safavid royal workshops.

Known as a Polonaise carpet, it represents a category of Persian rugs created as diplomatic gifts for foreign courts. Its symmetrical design features floral motifs and large arabesques, enclosed within a wide, intricately patterned border. Similar pieces can be found in the Carpet Museum of Iran, highlighting its historical and artistic significance.

This masterpiece reflects the elegance of Persian weaving traditions, celebrating the artistic brilliance of Safavid Iran.

The Silk Carpet with Arabesques, originating from Central Persia in the early 17th century, is a stunning example of Safavid-era craftsmanship. Currently housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, this luxurious carpet features 400,000 knots per square meter, with a silk warp, silk weft, and a silk pile enriched with gold and silver threads.

Belonging to the ‘Polonaise’ carpet group, its name stems from a historical misattribution in 1878, when several Persian rugs from the Polish Prince Czartoryski’s collection were mistakenly believed to be of Polish origin. Although scholars corrected this by 1891, the term ‘Polonaise’ persists.

Experts debate its precise origin, with Arthur Upham Pope suggesting it was woven in Joshagan, though its design sets it apart from other carpets in the same category. This masterpiece remains a testament to the artistic and technical brilliance of 17th-century Persian weavers.

This exquisite late 16th-century Persian carpet, now housed in the Museo Poldi-Pezzoli in Milan, exemplifies the artistic excellence of the Safavid era. Originating from East Persia, it features a dense Persian knot count of 410,000 knots per square meter and a rich wool pile.

While Herat was historically considered the primary hub of carpet weaving in Khorasan, the sacred city of Mashhad also played a significant role. As a major pilgrimage center, Mashhad fostered a thriving carpet industry, supported by offerings made at its holy shrines.

The carpet's design is a breathtaking display of floral motifs, intricate arabesques, and stylized palmettes, arranged in an organic, asymmetrical pattern. These elements extend into the wide border, creating a sense of movement and depth. This masterpiece remains a testament to the enduring beauty and cultural significance of Persian weaving.

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 Animal Carpet, woven in Isfahan in the late 17th century, is an exquisite masterpiece reflecting the pinnacle of Persian craftsmanship. Measuring 233 x 168 cm, this carpet features a vibrant design of animals inspired by Safavid-era miniatures, dynamically placed across a floral background. Its intricate border of intertwining flowers and birds adds to its elegance.

With a remarkable density of 600,000 knots per square meter, the carpet’s silk pile and unbleached cotton foundation highlight the weaver’s precision and artistry. Now housed in the Carpet Museum of Iran, Tehran, two similar pieces reside in the prestigious Louvre Museum in Paris, cementing its status as an enduring symbol of Persian heritage and artistic brilliance.

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.