Silk Velvet Designed by 'Ghiyath'

Ghiyath

second half 16th century · Silk, cut and voided velvet with continuous floats of flat metal thread · Islamic Art

The beige satin background of this silk velvet panel was originally covered in shining metal threads, the remnants of which are still visible in some places. Luxurious textiles like this one were described by Europeans who traveled to the Safavid court. This piece bears the inscription "work of Ghiyath," referring to a designer who was attached to the Safavid court and served as a master weaver at the court of Shah 'Abbas I at Isfahan.

Artist

Ghiyath

Date

second half 16th century

Medium

Silk, cut and voided velvet with continuous floats of flat metal thread

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1952