17th-Century Central Persian Vase Carpet

17th-Century Central Persian Vase Carpet

This late-17th-century Central Persian vase carpet is a monumental example of Safavid artistry. With its towering vase motifs, all-over floral design, and refined structure, it reflects both the technical excellence and poetic vision of Persian weaving at its peak.

17th-Century Persian Prayer Carpet with Eight-Pointed Star Motif

17th-Century Persian Prayer Carpet with Eight-Pointed Star Motif

This 17th-century Central Persian prayer rug, now preserved in the Carpet Museum of Iran in Tehran, is a rare example of Safavid-period craftsmanship that blends Persian weaving techniques with Anatolian and Turkoman design influences. Woven with the Persian asymmetrical knot at a density of approximately 300,000 knots per square metre, it features a rectilinear mihrab and an eight-pointed star known as the “Jewel of Mohammed,” symbolising spiritual guidance. The border’s Chinese knot motif reflects cross-cultural artistic exchange along historic trade routes. With its wool foundation, distinctive geometric style, and museum provenance, the rug stands as an important cultural and collectible piece from one of the golden ages of Persian carpet weaving.

Kerman Rug - Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna

Kerman Rug - Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna

Iranian Carpet carpets are among the rarest and most fascinating creations of 16th-century Safavid Persia. Distinguished by their bold central medallions, rich floral symbolism, and extraordinary depictions of European figures and ships, these carpets reflect a unique moment of cultural exchange between Persia and the Portuguese world during the Age of Exploration. Woven with exceptional technical skill and narrative depth, they stand not only as masterpieces of Persian art but also as woven records of early global trade, diplomacy, and cross-cultural encounter.

Silk Animal Carpet: A Masterpiece of Isfahan Weavers

Silk Animal Carpet: Another Masterpiece of Isfahan Weavers.

The Silk Animal Carpet, crafted in Isfahan during the late 16th century, is a stunning example of Persian artistry, currently preserved at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Measuring 124 x 109 cm, this rug boasts an impressive 1,287,000 knots per square meter, woven with yellow silk warp, double silk weft, and silk pile.

Its intricate design features a vibrant array of flowers and foliage, with four wild beasts attacking their prey and five other animals standing independently. The border is adorned with daisies, leaves, pomegranates, lion heads, and arabesques, highlighting Persian symbolism and meticulous craftsmanship.This carpet is part of the esteemed collection of “animal carpets,” known for their exceptional fineness and historical value, making it a timeless treasure of Persian weaving.

Scenes from Persian Romances in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.

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.

Materials Used in Persian Carpets

Materials Used in Persian Carpets

The extraordinary quality of Persian carpets begins with the fine, supple fleece of Persian sheep, famously known as "oily sheep" due to their fatty skin. This unique wool, prized for its exceptional strength and durability, is primarily used for the pile of the carpet and occasionally for the warp and weft. The pile is typically crafted from two single threads twisted together to create a strong two-strand structure, ensuring longevity and resilience.