Blogs

The Hunting Carpet, woven in the Imperial Factory of Central Persia in the 16th century, is a breathtaking example of Persian craftsmanship. Now housed in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst (MAK) in Vienna, this luxurious silk carpet features an extraordinary 1,274,000 knots per square meter, making it one of the most finely woven carpets in history.

Its intricate design showcases a central star motif, surrounded by floral patterns, mythical creatures, and an elaborate hunting scene. Persian noblemen, armed with bows, lances, sabers, and clubs, pursue 157 wild animals, including lions, panthers, antelopes, and boars, all set against a rich salmon-colored background. The border features a frieze of flowers, birds, and human figures, symbolizing continuity and tradition.

Believed to be crafted during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I (1524–1576) and designed by Sultan Mohammed, the carpet was possibly taken as booty by Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I after the failed Siege of Vienna in 1683. Its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance make it one of the world's most celebrated Persian carpets.

This magnificent Persian carpet, crafted in Central Persia during the mid-16th century, is a highlight of the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst (MAK) in Vienna. Measuring 760 x 325 cm, it features an impressive knot density of 495,000 knots per square meter, woven with silk warp, silk weft, and wool pile.

The design is divided into four identical sections filled with elegant arabesques, cloud bands, and lush floral patterns. Among the intricate foliage, fierce confrontations between animals—lions, tigers, antelopes, and more—are vividly depicted, symbolizing nature’s beauty and chaos.

This carpet stands as a remarkable example of Persian craftsmanship, reflecting the artistic sophistication of the Safavid era and continuing to captivate art enthusiasts around the world.

The Iran National Museum in Tehran houses a rare 16th-century prayer rug believed to have originated from Kashan. Measuring 195 x 108 cm, it features 675,000 Persian knots per square meter and is crafted with silk warp and weft, a wool pile, and brocaded silver thread.

Though attributed to Tabriz by the museum and scholar Arthur Upham Pope, the use of Persian knots suggests it may have been woven in central Iran, possibly Isfahan. The rug is adorned with Quranic verses and intricate silver threadwork. Despite its artistic and historical significance, it remains in poor condition, highlighting the need for preservation.

The 16th-century Persian prayer rug at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is a masterpiece of Safavid-era craftsmanship. Originating from northwest Persia, it features an intricate cupola-shaped mihrab adorned with palmettes, leaves, flowers, and cloud-bands. Measuring 161 x 105 cm, this rug boasts an astonishing 1,000,000 knots per square meter, showcasing exceptional weaving precision.

Crafted with a light brown cotton warp, natural brown wool weft, and a fine wool pile, it is further enriched with silver-thread brocading wrapped around a silk core, adding a touch of luxury. The rug also features Qur’anic inscriptions in Nasr script, praising Allah, enhancing its spiritual significance.

This historic rug exemplifies the golden age of Persian carpet weaving, blending artistry and devotion, and remains a treasured exhibit at The Met, captivating visitors with its beauty and heritage.

Originating from North-West Persia in the mid-16th century, this exquisite Safavid-era carpet is a testament to Persian artistry. Measuring 427 x 229 cm, it features a high knot density of approximately 300,000 knots per square meter, woven with wool and cotton.

The design centers on a symmetrical medallion adorned with cloud bands, surrounded by intricate depictions of animals—some real, others mythical, like deer-dragon hybrids. Floral and arabesque motifs enrich the design, while the wide border frames the piece with elaborate patterns.

Renowned for its craftsmanship and detail, this carpet exemplifies the Safavid golden age, where rugs symbolized status and refinement. Now part of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., it remains a stunning cultural artifact and a masterpiece of Persian textile artistry.

This 16th-century Tabriz rug, part of the Iran Bastan Museum collection in Tehran, is a prime example of Persian craftsmanship. Measuring 228 x 193 cm, it is intricately woven with over a million knots per square meter, using yellow silk for the warp, raw silk for the weft, and pure silk for the pile. The design features graceful birds on a soft yellow field, with doe figures flanking the central medallion, creating a serene and balanced scene. Poetic verses adorn the main border, adding literary depth to the artwork. This masterpiece combines exceptional knotting, vibrant imagery, and cultural significance, making it a timeless symbol of Persian artistry.

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.

The Silk Medallion Carpet, crafted in Northwest Persia in the first half of the 16th century, exemplifies the artistry of Persian weavers, likely originating from Tabriz. Measuring 250 x 170 cm, it is made from silk and metallic thread, utilizing the Turkish knot technique.

The design features a blend of floral patterns and symbolic motifs, with medallions adorned by four peacocks framed within cartouches and crowned by distinctive "tchi" motifs. The border complements the field with cloud-band motifs encircling decorative cartouches, seamlessly integrating arabesques and floral patterns.

Housed in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, this masterpiece highlights the cultural and artistic excellence of 16th-century Persia.

The Multiple Medallion Carpet is an exquisite Persian masterpiece from the 10th century, currently housed in Vienna's Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst. Measuring 540 x 270 cm, it features an intricate weave of 280,000 Persian knots per square meter, crafted with unbleached cotton warp, yellow and brown cotton weft, and a wool pile.

The design showcases a series of unique medallions adorned with vibrant colors, flowering shrubs, and elegant arabesques. Birds resembling peacocks, pheasants, and ducks are intricately woven into the blue medallions, while cloud bands fill the background with subtle charm. The border includes triple-layered bands with cartouches and floral rosettes, enhancing its visual appeal.

This carpet is a testament to Persian artistry, blending exceptional craftsmanship with timeless beauty, making it a cultural and historical treasure.

Explore our heritage Collection here.

Visit our instagram page here.

Plan your visit our Store here.

The Medallion and Animal Carpet, a masterpiece from 16th-century Tabriz in Northwest Persia, reflects the Iranian concept of Paradise. Housed in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, this fragment features a lush garden landscape with blossoming trees, flowing streams, and diverse animals, symbolizing harmony and abundance. Made with Persian knots, yellow silk warp, silk weft, and a wool pile, it exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of the Safavid era. The other half of this rug is preserved in Cracow, Poland, while a larger, more intricate example exists in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. These rugs are cultural artifacts that celebrate Persian artistry and spiritual symbolism.

Visit our instagram page here.

Visit our online shop here.

Visit our local showroom here.