Velvet and Silk Carpet

Unknown

17th century · Silk, metal wrapped thread; cut and voided velvet, brocaded · Islamic Art

For special occasions, Mughal palaces and pavilions were spread with silk hangings, carpets, and embroidered velvets. On one New Year’s Day, for instance, the emperor Jahangir mentioned visiting his vizier and brother‑in‑law Asaf Khan, who had covered the road from the palace with velvets woven with gold and gold brocade. This sumptuous carpet may have been used for such an occasion. Its design is reminiscent of Iranian textiles, but ink inscriptions in Gujarati script on its selvages indicate that the carpet was woven in that state, which was well known for the production of silks, velvets, and cottons.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Silk, metal wrapped thread; cut and voided velvet, brocaded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1927