'Holbein' Carpet

Unknown

15th–16th century · Wool; symmetrically (?) knotted pile · Islamic Art

Named after a famous portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger that depicts a similar carpet draped over a table, the pattern of this early Turkish carpet is one of the most fundamental of all carpet designs. Many other carpet patterns are derived from its arrangement of small knotlike medallions and diamond-shaped strapwork. Its interlaced border is related to the kufic border found in many early 'Lotto' carpets. "Holbein" carpets were woven in Anatolia as early as the fourteenth century, and became popular in Europe from the fifteenth century onward.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th–16th century

Medium

Wool; symmetrically (?) knotted pile

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift from the Collection of Hillary Black Dumas and Dr. D. Gilbert Dumas, 2009