Floral Arabesque Carpet

Unknown

17th century · Cotton (warp and weft), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

This floral arabesque carpet belongs to a group previously attributed to both Iran and India. The four‑ply warp points to Iran as the place of manufacture. Furthermore, such carpets were woven in large quantities and numerous examples survive. Few of these, however, possess the intensity, scale, and originality of this one. Light and dark blue arabesque bands run symmetrically through the field, creating a sense of flow. The design is further elaborated by the fine network of buds, rosettes, leaves, and palmettes in the background, as well as by the equally vibrant main border, set against a blue background.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

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

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1969