Carpet Fragment

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Cotton and silk (foundation), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

Among the rarest of all classical Persian carpets is the Khorasan type, from northeastern Iran. Early Khorasan carpets survive only in fragmentary form, and this particular example is one of five known fragments from a carpet made in the Safavid period. Originally part of the right border, its decoration consists of a pattern of elaborate cartouches alternating with octafoil medallions that contain open blossoms. Despite its fragmented state, the piece is in excellent condition, with good pile and splendid colors in dark blue, golden yellow, ivory, and red.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Cotton and silk (foundation), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Page and Otto Marx Jr. Foundation Gift and Rogers Fund, 2001