Ottoman Court Carpet

Unknown

late 16th–17th century · Wool (warp, weft and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

This splendid carpet, with feathery leaves, stylized lotus flowers, and tightly curled cloud‑band scrolls, displays characteristics associated with a group of carpets of debated provenance. While the wool and weaving methods of this group are akin to carpets woven in Egypt, their designs probably were produced in Istanbul. Documents reveal that on at least one occasion in 1585, the Ottoman sultan Murad III requested that a number of Cairene weavers, along with a quantity of Egyptian wool, be brought to the court in Istanbul. Such interactions may explain the unexpected combination of materials, technique, and design found in these carpets.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–17th century

Medium

Wool (warp, weft and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941