National Art Museum Silk Rug

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.

 

MEDALLION AND ARABESQUE CARPET

Medallion and Arabesque Carpet

This Persian medallion carpet, attributed to Tabriz in the 17th century, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Measuring 802 x 412 cm, it features a dense knotting of 620,000 knots per square meter, with a cotton warp, silk weft, and wool pile.

The central design showcases a circular medallion flanked by cartouches and arabesques, surrounded by slender, flower-adorned branches. Stylized red tulip-like flowers, "cloud-band" motifs (tchi), and vibrant peacocks add life and color to the field. The triple-bordered frame includes spiraling branches and stylized flowers, combining elegance and intricate detail.

A gift from the Kress Foundation, this carpet is a stunning example of Persian artistry, celebrated for its extraordinary beauty and technical mastery.

Dating Persian Rugs: An Insight

Dating Persian Rugs: An Insight

Many Persian rugs feature inscriptions within a cartouche, often revealing the name of the commissioner, the artist, or the factory and year of creation. These inscriptions typically use the Hegira calendar rather than the Iranian calendar. To convert a Hegira date to the Christian era, subtract 3% of the inscribed date and add 622. The Hegira calendar begins with the Prophet Mohammed’s migration from Mecca, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.