Velvet with Pattern of Butterflies and Flowers

Unknown

18th century · Silk, metal wrapped thread; cut and voided velvet · Islamic Art

In the textiles of the later Safavid period, we see the addition of butterflies to the design repertoire. This sumptuous velvet features the repeating design of two butterflies hovering over the leaves of a strawberry plant, each bearing fruit and six blossoms. The field of the design utilizes metal-wrapped threads that, though now dulled, would have originally created a glittering backdrop for the plant and butterfly motifs.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Silk, metal wrapped thread; cut and voided velvet

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915