Ghalin History

TITLE: Medallion and Animal Carpet (Tiger Carpet)

ORIGIN: North-west Iran, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province or Isfahan, Iran

EOCH. PERIOD: Safavid Empire, Iran

DATE: First half of the 16^th century

MATERIAL: Wool, Silk, Gilt Thread

TECHNIQUE: Asymmetric Persian knot, 568,800 knots per sq. m (367 knots per sq.in)

• 79 knot per 10 cm. across
• 72 knots per 10 cm. lengthwise

DIMENSIONS : 693 x 360 cm (272 x 142 in.)

• Warp of yellow silk
• Weft of yellow silk
• Wool Pile, enriched with gilt thread

LOCATION: Collection of the Museo Poldi-Pezzoli, Milan, Italy

NOTE:

The distinctive feature of this carpet lies in its intricate animal design, where motifs featuring rosettes, leaves, and eight birds immersed in cloud-bands stand out against the “Laaki” background. The overall design is reminiscent of a similar example with medallions and animals, housed in the National Gallery of Washington. Stars adorn the carpet’s background, while the central “Toranj” showcases a large vase flanked by two winged figures. Further away, golden trees, pairs of tigers and dragons, surrounded by foliage, bears, and birds create a captivating scene.

Around the “Toranj,” the background pattern consists of small flowers and broad leaves with lions chasing dragons. A distinct design, unlike the “tchi” pattern, is observed in the carpet’s square. The carpet’s border comprises three parts, featuring a hunting lion stalking a goat and a stag, accompanied by floral “Islimi” bands that appear broader than the flowers in the background. Large cartouches embedded with flowers and unique “Islimi” patterns complete this border. The narrow inner border carries an inscription on a blue background, indicating the carpet’s attribution to Dariush Shah, likely the Safavid Shah Tahmasab. Notably, the inner margin boasts remarkable poems, praising the king and extolling the carpet:

“چه خوشبختی فرشی که در شاهکار آن، عزیز در مسیر شاه مانند سایه او پهن شود”

“برگهای اسلیمیش همچون موهای بلند فرشتگاه در هم پیچیده است”

Indeed, what better description for this exquisite carpet!