Blogs
17th-Century Medallion Carpet - Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna
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.
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.