Velvet Panel with Rows of Flowers

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Velvet Panel with Rows Flowers*, created by an unknown artist in the-17th century, exemplifies the opulent textile arts of the Islamic world. Woven from silk using cut and voided velvet, the panel features rhythmic rows of blooming flowers and leaves, their vibrant forms enhanced by continuous floats of flat metal-wrapped that catch the light like shimmering gold. Measuring over five feet in height, it was likely designed for architectural decoration, such as wall hangings or furnishings in a grand palace or mosque. The sophisticated weaving methods highlight the mastery of Islamic artisans during this period. Cut velvet creates a plush, sculpted pile for the floral motifs, while voiding removes background threads to reveal the silk ground, adding depth and contrast. The metallic brocading—where flat threads float across the surface—introduces a luxurious gleam, symbolizing wealth and divine beauty in Islamic decorative traditions, where floral patterns evoked paradise gardens. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department as part of The Alice and Nasli Heeramaneck Collection (gift of Alice Heeramaneck, 1991), this panel invites visitors to appreciate the tactile splendor of 17th-century textiles, blending technical innovation with timeless natural motifs.