Ghalin History

TITLE: Hunting Carpet

ORIGIN: Isfahan, Iran

EOCH. PERIOD: Safavid Empire, Iran

DATE: Middle half of the 16th century

MATERIAL: Silk, Silver Thread

TECHNIQUE: Persian knot, 1,187,200 knots per sq. m (766 knots per sq.in)

• 112 knots per 10 cm. across
• 106 knots per 10 cm. lengthwise

DIMENSIONS : 480 x 255 cm (274 x 127 in.)

• Warp of yellow silk
• Double weft of silk
• Silk Pile, enriched with silver thread on yellow silk

LOCATION: Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFAB), Massachusetts, USA

NOTE:

This silk carpet stands out as one of the most meticulously preserved Iranian carpets, boasting a captivating pattern of exceptional beauty. In terms of elegance, some experts argue that the hunting-themed carpet housed in the Vienna Museum surpasses the one in Boston, prompting continuous comparisons between the two examples. A broad overview suggests striking similarities in the design and background of these two carpets.

The hunting and feasting motif on this carpet offers a glimpse into the court customs of the Safavid era in Iran. Highly likely crafted for Safavid Shah Tahmasab, it is believed that prominent painters of the Safavid court conceptualized its design. The central “Toranj,” accentuated with silver threads, features a fierce battle between a dragon and a phoenix, showcasing the influence of Chinese culture on Iran during this period.

Within the blossoming vines surrounding the central “Toranj,” novice hunters engage in clubbing hares, while expert hunters skillfully dispatch deer and antelope with spears and swords. An intriguing aspect of the carpet is the depiction of mighty hunters engaging in hand-to-hand combat with lions. In contrast to the intense theme of the main field, the carpet’s edge exudes a relatively serene atmosphere.

Courtiers, dressed in authentic Persian attire, are depicted indulging in food and drink, engaging in discussions about the day’s hunting exploits, as evidenced by Persian verses woven into the design. Essentially, this carpet serves as a visual narrative of the Safavid court’s hunting ground scene. Prior to being acquired by Baron Adolphe de Rothschild in Paris from an antique dealer, this carpet was in the possession of a Florentine nobleman.