Textile Fragment Depicting a Figure in a Landscape

Unknown

16th century · Silk; lampas · Islamic Art

This group of four fragments depicts a courtier holding a wine cup amid cypresses, flowering trees and varied wildlife, a popular theme in Iranian decorative arts. The design features a seamless repeat pattern, elegantly alternating tomato red and ochre yellow for the courtier’s cloak, a design device used by weavers to add variation. The tapered shape of the fragments suggests that the textile was probably once part of a garment. This pictorial composition is similar to manuscript paintings produced during the reign of Shah Tahmasp, and may be inspired by mystical poetry referencing wine and gardens.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Silk; lampas

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1908