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Rug
Indo-Persian carpet
Rug
Persian
Safavid
17th century
Object Place: probably Isfahan, Persia
Medium/Technique
Cotton warp, cotton weft, wool pile, asymmetrical knot
Dimensions
202 x 141 cm (79 1/2 x 55 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of John Goelet
Accession Number66.229
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionAmong the most esteemed oriental carpets in seventeenth-century northern Europe were those that featured Chinese-derived cloudbands and leaf-like forms called palmettes on crimson fields. Painters depicted these expensive carpets draped over tables or spred on floors under the feet of royalty.
The name "Indo-Persian" reflects a lack of consensus among scholars, who still argue about where in India or Iran such carpets were made. Because the structure and color of this carpet are typical of Persian rather than Indian rugs, it is assigned to Iran. Its centralized design is exceptionally harmonious and elegant.
Field: madder rose ground with polychrome stylized blossoms, leaves, and cloudbands symmetrically disposed. Narrow blue-and-yellow guard band separates this from dark blue border showing units of a blossom between pairs of serrated leaves. Yellow-and-blue outer guard band, showing small black or white rosettes. Black pile and some white pile corroded. Side edges overcast with rose wool yarns.
The name "Indo-Persian" reflects a lack of consensus among scholars, who still argue about where in India or Iran such carpets were made. Because the structure and color of this carpet are typical of Persian rather than Indian rugs, it is assigned to Iran. Its centralized design is exceptionally harmonious and elegant.
Field: madder rose ground with polychrome stylized blossoms, leaves, and cloudbands symmetrically disposed. Narrow blue-and-yellow guard band separates this from dark blue border showing units of a blossom between pairs of serrated leaves. Yellow-and-blue outer guard band, showing small black or white rosettes. Black pile and some white pile corroded. Side edges overcast with rose wool yarns.
ProvenanceBy 1966, John Goelet, Amblainville (Oise) France; 1966, gift of Goelet to the MFA. (Accession Date: March 9, 1966)