Ghalin History

TITLE: Fantasy Animal Fighting Throne Mat

ORIGIN: Center of Iran, Kashan or Isfahan, Isfahan Province

EOCH. PERIOD: Safavid Empire, Iran

DATE: Second half of the 16^th century

MATERIAL: Wool, Cotton, Silk

TECHNIQUE: Asymmetrical Persian knot, 1,287,000 knots per sq. m (830 knots per sq.in)

• 110 knots per 10 cm. across
• 117 knots per 10 cm. lengthwise

DIMENSIONS : 540 x 316 cm (213 x 124 in.)

• Warp of yellow silk
• Double weft of yellow silk
• Silk Pile

LOCATION : Louvre Museum, Paris, France

NOTE:

In a background teeming with dark blue flowers and leaves, four wild animals are vividly portrayed tearing into their prey, accompanied by five other solitary animals. One distinctive feature of this carpet is its primary background color, diverging from the traditional red to an elegant dark blue, setting it apart from similar counterparts.

The carpet’s border comprises three rows converging in the middle with the Leucanthemum flower, connected by delicate stems. The outer section mirrors the daisy motif, embellished with leaves and pomegranates surrounding the strips. In the central, red-colored border, alternating patterns of foliage and lion’s heads are arranged among broad palmettes.

This carpet falls into the category of carpets featuring animal motifs, a likely popular theme during the Safavid era in Iran. Museums worldwide house carpets with diverse animal motifs, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of this period.