Carpet
18th century
Medium
Silk, plain weave with supplementary patterning wefts forming uncut pile; selvage edge of plain weave terminating in weft fringe
Dimensions
250.5 × 189.3 cm (98 5/8 × 74 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
31997
Art Historical Context
This exquisite 18th-century silk, measuring an impressive 250.5 189.3 cm, exemplifies the pinnacle of textile artistry from a time when handwoven floor coverings were prized symbols of wealth and refinement. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Textiles, its unknown maker crafted a luxurious piece using high-quality silk, transforming simple threads into a durable yet opulent surface ideal for grand interiors. The carpet's construction highlights sophisticated weaving techniques: a plain weave foundation with supplementary patterning wefts that form an uncut pile, creating textured motifs...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...