Carpet

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Silk, metal wrapped thread; tapestry weave · Islamic Art

This carpet was among those produced for export to Europe and was formerly in the collection of the Royal House of Saxony. Unlike examples with scenes of animal combat or floral patterns within the central medallions, the field of this carpet contains a cross, an apt symbol for a European patron. The leaves with serrated edges, lotus flowers, and overlapping vine scrolls in the corners are typical decorative features of this class of carpet. Microscopic examination has revealed that the core of the metal-wrapped threads contained two colors of silk-a standard white and an intense red. Red is an unusual color for the core. Also uncommon is the use of two separate metal threads woven together in a single row, each containing a different colored core. Metal strips of both threads, previously gold and silver, are oxidized and appear here as dark gray.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Silk, metal wrapped thread; tapestry weave

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1931