The Czartoryski Carpet

Unknown

17th century · Cotton (warp), silk (weft and pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetrically knotted pile, brocaded · Islamic Art

The coat of arms on this carpet (in the center and at each end) was mistakenly understood to belong to the Polish Czartoryski family; consequently, the term "Polonaise" was applied to this carpet and others like it. The field is filled with flowers, leaves, and scrolling vines, all typical of Persian carpet design of this period. Polonaise carpets are noted for their extensive use of silk and metal-wrapped silk thread. The somewhat muted colors are due to the silk pile; though valued for its strength and softness, silk does not hold dye as well as wool and its color quickly fades. Polonaise carpets were created both for the local Iranian market and for presentation and sale to Europeans.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Cotton (warp), silk (weft and pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetrically knotted pile, brocaded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, by exchange, 1945