Fragment of a Carpet with Cartouche Border

Unknown

late 16th century · Silk (warp and weft), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

This carpet bears flowers on winding stems, birds, and Chinese cloud bands in a dense arrangement covering the entirety of its deep red ground. Similar imagery appears on works executed in other media, including in painting and bookbinding, from sixteenth century Iran, where it references the role of hunting and gardens in the lives of Safavid elite. Although only a fragment of this carpet remains, polylobed cartouches along its border further reflect this theme.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th century

Medium

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

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Joseph V. McMullan, 1970