The Anhalt Medallion Carpet

Unknown

probably first half 16th century · Cotton (warp), silk (weft), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

The excellent condition and unusual colors of this carpet make it a unique example of carpet production during the Safavid period in Iran. The yellow field, rarely seen in carpets of this type, renders it an unusual variation of a classic design. The central medallion, scrolling vines (arabesque), and peacocks in the field are all common features of Safavid carpets. The arabesque designs have parallels in sixteenth-century Persian tile revetments, while the central medallion design is similar to contemporary book covers, suggesting that the same court workshop created designs for manuscripts, carpets, and architectural ornamentation.

Artist

Unknown

Date

probably first half 16th century

Medium

Cotton (warp), silk (weft), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1946