Ghalin History

TITLE: Royal Carpet with Silk and Metal Thread

ORIGIN: Center of Iran, Kashan, or Isfahan

EOCH. PERIOD: Safavid Empire, Iran

DATE: 1600-1625, Beginning of the 17^th Century

MATERIAL: Silk, Cotton

TECHNIQUE: Asymmetrical Persian knot

DIMENSIONS : 206 x 127 cm (81 x 50 in.)

• Warp of Silk
• Weft of Cotton
• Silk Pile with Gold thread for the flat-woven areas

LOCATION: Collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America

NOTE:

The background of this exquisite carpet comprises two distinct sections, each adorned with floral and leaf motifs. Although these sections lack perfect symmetry, their resemblance is striking. The carpet boasts a captivating color harmony, with the green shade notably accentuating its border. Noteworthy is the incorporation of Persian blue, a captivating hue prevalent in artworks from the Safavid period. The golden color intricately woven with gold thread for the flat-woven sections adds to the carpet’s beauty. The relatively broad border features embellishments of branches and leaves, elegantly intertwining within the undulating bands.

Likely intended for use as a “Janmazi” or prayer rug, this carpet was probably woven in one of the royal workshops of the Safavid court, located in Kashan or Isfahan. These carpets, referred to as “Polonaise,” gained recognition in Europe due to trade relations and as royal gifts.