Ghalin History

TITLE: Half carpet with “Garden of Paradise” decoration or Medallion and Animal Carpet

ORIGIN: North-west Iran, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, or West Afghanistan, Herāt, Herāt Province

EOCH. PERIOD: Safavid Empire, Iran

DATE: 1525-1575

MATERIAL: Wool, Silk, Silver Threads

TECHNIQUE: Asymmetric Persian knot

DIMENSIONS : 350 x 410 cm (138 x 161 in.)

• Warp of yellow silk
• Weft of silk
• Wool Pile
• Brocade decoration with silver threads

LOCATION: On long-term loan to Louvre Museum, AI, Paris, France- (Central Union of Decorative Arts, Paris)

NOTE:

This carpet represents only half of the Safavid period medallion and animal carpet, featuring an intricate design. The remaining portion is held in “Cracovie, Poland.” This unique carpet stands out as it showcases a garden theme. The weavers’ celestial creativity is evident in the delicate execution of intricate designs. The carpet paints a vivid picture of a beautiful garden with blossoming trees, Cypress, streamlets, flowers, nightingales, and birds resembling phoenixes, along with hunting animals positioned both in the field and on the carpet’s edge.

At the carpet’s center, a “Toranj” is displayed, its design seamlessly matching the border’s pattern. The color palette of the carpet is exquisite, featuring brocade decoration enhanced by silver threads. The expansive border, in harmony with the field, is adorned with “Khatayi” leaves, flowers, and animal figures. The restrained use of narrow borders is a distinctive characteristic of Safavid designs.