Pashmina Carpet with Gateway-and-Millefleur Pattern

Unknown

second half 18th century · Cotton (warp and weft), pashmina wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

The area of northern India and eastern Pakistan was an important region for carpet weaving during the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Millefleur carpets and some later flower-style pieces were manufactured there. They were usually made with fine knots and expensive pashmina wool. The type shown here was designed as a pair of cypress trees on either side under an arch, symbolizing the gateway to a flower-filled paradise. This example is distinguished by its geometric treatment of the millefleur pattern and a central vase from which the motifs grow.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 18th century

Medium

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

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Joseph V. McMullan, 1970