Silk Kilim: 17th-Century Persian Masterpiece at the Textile Museum, Washington, D.C.

Silk Kilim: 17th-Century Persian Masterpiece at the Textile Museum, Washington, D.C.

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.

Silk Carpet with Arabesques in the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio

Silk Carpet with Arabesques in the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio

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.

Silk Carpet with Cloud-Bands - In the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna

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 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.

The Exquisite Animal Carpet of Isfahan

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.

Hunting Carpet A Masterpiece in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

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.

All-Over Animal and Floral Carpet at the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna

All-Over Animal and Floral Carpet at the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna

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.