Blogs

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 Silk Floral Carpet at the Österreichisches Museum für Angewandte Kunst (MAK) in Vienna is a stunning example of 17th-century Persian craftsmanship, likely originating from Kashan. This luxurious Polonaise carpet, woven with silk, silver, and gold threads, features an intricate central medallion, arabesques, floral motifs, and cloud-band patterns. With an impressive 266,800 knots per square meter, it exemplifies the artistic sophistication of the Safavid era. Once prized by European aristocrats, this masterpiece remains a significant symbol of Persian textile heritage and timeless elegance.

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 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 16th-century Kashan silk carpet, housed in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich, is a rare example of Persian weaving mastery. Measuring 244 x 150 cm, it boasts an extraordinary 810,000 knots per square meter, crafted entirely from silk.

What makes this piece unique is its wide border with large palmettes, surrounding a striking central medallion, and the absence of an outer guard band, creating a seamless design. Floral motifs blend harmoniously with Chinese-inspired elements, reflecting cultural influences of the Safavid era.

Among only a few surviving examples worldwide, this rug remains a testament to the luxury, technical brilliance, and artistic heritage of Persian craftsmanship.

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 stunning Persian carpet from Kashan, crafted in the late 16th century, showcases exquisite artistry and craftsmanship. Measuring 258 x 179 cm, it features a silk warp, weft, and pile with an impressive knot density of 921,600 knots per square meter.

The design elegantly combines motifs of animals and flowering shrubs, distinguished by its meticulous execution. Its intricate borders include floral patterns, cloud bands, and large palmettes surrounded by birds, possibly pheasants.

Previously part of Benjamin Altman’s collection, this rare masterpiece stands as a remarkable testament to Persian textile artistry, now preserved in one of the world’s most prestigious museums.