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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.
Scenes from Persian Romances in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.
This exquisite 16th-century Persian carpet, housed in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, is a masterpiece of storytelling and craftsmanship. Titled ‘Scenes from Persian Romances’ by art historian Arthur Upham Pope, it is believed to originate from Kerman, though its intricate design suggests the work of a master miniaturist.
The carpet’s rich imagery features hunters on horseback, a reclining man with seated women, and a central elephant, all set against a floral background. Among the fauna, a pair of phoenixes (simurghs) symbolize rebirth, while the border showcases medallions with seated figures and winged beings, adding to its mythical and romantic theme.
This remarkable piece is a woven narrative of Persian culture, poetry, and artistic brilliance, reflecting the golden age of Safavid textile art.
The Silk Medallion & Arabesque Carpet: at the Musée des Gobelins, Paris
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.
Hunting Carpet: A Masterpiece in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
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.
The Majestic Hunting Carpet of the Österreichisches Museum
The Hunting Carpet, woven in the Imperial Factory of Central Persia in the 16th century, is a breathtaking example of Persian craftsmanship. Now housed in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst (MAK) in Vienna, this luxurious silk carpet features an extraordinary 1,274,000 knots per square meter, making it one of the most finely woven carpets in history.
Its intricate design showcases a central star motif, surrounded by floral patterns, mythical creatures, and an elaborate hunting scene. Persian noblemen, armed with bows, lances, sabers, and clubs, pursue 157 wild animals, including lions, panthers, antelopes, and boars, all set against a rich salmon-colored background. The border features a frieze of flowers, birds, and human figures, symbolizing continuity and tradition.
Believed to be crafted during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I (1524–1576) and designed by Sultan Mohammed, the carpet was possibly taken as booty by Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I after the failed Siege of Vienna in 1683. Its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance make it one of the world's most celebrated Persian carpets.
16th Century Tabriz Carpet
This 16th-century Tabriz rug, part of the Iran Bastan Museum collection in Tehran, is a prime example of Persian craftsmanship. Measuring 228 x 193 cm, it is intricately woven with over a million knots per square meter, using yellow silk for the warp, raw silk for the weft, and pure silk for the pile. The design features graceful birds on a soft yellow field, with doe figures flanking the central medallion, creating a serene and balanced scene. Poetic verses adorn the main border, adding literary depth to the artwork. This masterpiece combines exceptional knotting, vibrant imagery, and cultural significance, making it a timeless symbol of Persian artistry.
Iran National Art Museum Silk Rug
This exquisite Rug, crafted in Tabriz during the early 16th century, is a hallmark of Persian artistry and sophistication. Preserved at the Iran Bastan Museum in Tehran, it measures 204 x 195 cm and features an extraordinary density of 693,000 Turkish knots per square meter.
Made with a white silk warp and weft, its silk pile is enriched with luxurious gold and silver threads. The design showcases a central medallion surrounded by intricate cloud-bands inspired by Chinese motifs, along with depictions of animals, birds, and possibly fish. The delicate border, adorned with gold and silver accents, frames the piece beautifully, enhancing its visual appeal.
A symbol of the Safavid era's artistic excellence, this carpet reflects the unmatched skill and creativity of Persian weavers, offering a glimpse into a golden age of textile craftsmanship.
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.