The Majestic Hunting Carpet of the Österreichisches Museum
A Masterpiece of Persian Craftsmanship
Among the world’s most extraordinary carpets, the Hunting Carpet, housed in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst (MAK) in Vienna, stands as a testament to the artistic and technical brilliance of Persian carpet weaving. This breathtaking piece, woven in the Imperial Factory of Central Persia during the second half of the 16th century, exemplifies the opulence and grandeur of Safavid-era textile artistry.
Dimensions & Knotting
- Size: 695 x 323 cm (274 x 127 in.)
- Knot Density: 1,274,000 knots per square meter (822 knots per square inch)
- Knot Count: 108 knots per 10 cm across | 118 knots per 10 cm lengthwise
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Materials:
- Warp: Yellow silk
- Weft: Double-weft of yellow silk
- Pile: Silk, with sections enriched using silver and silver-gilt thread on white silk
The tightness of the knotting is so intricate that for years, experts mistook it for silk velvet rather than a traditional carpet. Its density and luxurious materials elevate it to one of the most remarkable woven textiles in the world.
Symbolism & Design: A Visual Narrative of Power and Prestige
The central field of the Hunting Carpet is dominated by a radiating star, surrounded by an elaborate notched motif—a recurring element in Persian design. Within these intricate shapes lie a mesmerizing display of floral patterns, twisting vines, and mythical creatures, including dragons and phoenixes, symbolizing power and eternity.
Beyond the central motif, a dramatic hunting scene unfolds on a rich salmon-colored background. Persian hunters, clad in the elegant attire of the Safavid period, pursue a vast array of wildlife, including lions, panthers, antelopes, stags, chamois, boars, hares, foxes, bears, and jackals. In total, the carpet features 157 hunted beasts and 58 horses, each depicted with lifelike detail and dynamic motion. The composition reflects an asymmetrical yet harmoniousarrangement—an enduring secret of Oriental artistry. The hunters wield an array of weapons, including bows, lances, sabers, and clubs, reinforcing the theme of power and conquest.
The border of the carpet presents a delicate frieze of flowers, birds, and human figures, some seated, others kneeling. The final figure in the sequence appears to offer a gift to the first, symbolizing continuity, unity, and reverence.
Historical Significance: A Legacy of Conquests & Empires
The Hunting Carpet is believed to have been crafted during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I (1524–1576), a ruler renowned for his patronage of the arts. The motifs and exquisite patterns are attributed to the master artist Sultan Mohammed, a pupil of the celebrated Persian miniaturist Bihzad, and executed by the finest craftsmen of the Safavid court.
This masterpiece is thought to have been part of the war spoils seized by the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold Ifollowing the failed Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683. Its journey from the Persian imperial workshops to the heart of Europe adds another layer of historical intrigue, symbolizing the intersection of Persian and European artistic legacies.
An Enduring Jewel in the World of Carpets
The Hunting Carpet of MAK Vienna remains one of the finest surviving examples of Persian textile mastery. Its breathtaking detail, extraordinary craftsmanship, and rich historical context make it a true jewel among carpets. Whether viewed as an artistic marvel, a historical artifact, or a representation of imperial grandeur, it continues to captivate and inspire admirers around the world.