Pictorial Carpet

Unknown

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

This silk carpet combines an unusually dense weave for a Persian carpet, with a composition inspired by Flemish tapestry. While the pictorial scene can be traced to seventeenth‑century Europe, the technique and execution point to the Safavid court as the source of patronage and production. It is possible that such carpets were woven in Iran for export or intended as diplomatic gifts. The smaller scale of the buildings suggests the influence of European perspective. The border compartments, whose arrangement is also repeated symmetrically, show figures in European dress, flower vases, and reclining deer.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

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

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of C. Ruxton Love Jr., 1967