Carpet

Unknown

ca. 1550 · Wool (warp, weft, and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

This wool carpet presents a large border with repeating large blossoms, framing an extensive surface decorated with repeating chintamanis, the pearl-like spots that were popular in the Ottoman court. A circular medallion occupies the center, with a fleur-de-lis like motif at its top and bottom forming a vertical axis. The design of a central medallion and four corner quarter-medallions is thought to have originated in decorative book bindings. While displaying a Turkish design, the technique and materials of this carpet are actually Egyptian—reflecting the presence of Egyptian carpet weavers in sixteenth-century Ottoman workshops.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550

Medium

Wool (warp, weft, and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Joseph V. McMullan, 1971