Medallion and Animal Carpet
Medium
wool pile on silk warp and wool and cotton weft
Dimensions
overall: 437 x 225 cm (172 1/16 x 88 9/16 in.)
Classification
Decorative Art
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Widener Collection
Accession Number
1942.9.477
Art Historical Context
Step into the opulent world of Safavid Persia with the *Medallion and Animal Carpet possibly woven in Isfahan around 1600. This magnificent piece, measuring over 4 meters long and nearly 2.25 meters wide, exemplifies the of 17th-century Persian carpet. Crafted with a luxurious wool pile on a silk warp and wool-and-cotton weft, fine structure—achieved through meticulous knotting—allowed for intricate patterns that rivaled the finest court productions. Isfahan, a thriving hub under Shah Abbas I, was renowned for such carpets, blending technical mastery with aesthetic splendor. The design featur...