Ghalin History

TITLE: Silk Medallion Carpet

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

EOCH. PERIOD: Safavid Empire, Iran

DATE: First half of 16^th century

MATERIAL: Wool, Silk, Amalgamated Gilded Silver Threads

TECHNIQUE: Turkish knot

DIMENSIONS : 250 x 170 cm (98 x 67 in.)

• Warp of yellow silk
• Weft of silk
• Silk Pile, Brocaded in metallic thread (Brocade decoration of amalgamated gilded silver threads)

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

NOTE:

This carpet is distinguished by its unique material, closely resembling the silk carpet exhibited in the Museum of Ancient Iran in Tehran. At its center, a distinctive “Toranj” pattern unfolds, featuring four peacocks elegantly encased within cartouches, forming a cruciform motif. The dark blue field is adorned with a graceful scroll of “Islimi” bands, intricately interwoven, complemented by light pink spandrels.

The overall carpet background showcases a floral design, yet its border design stands out as a distinctive feature. Encircling the carpet, frames display woven inscriptions comprising several words. The border’s golden foundation consists of armband cartouches adorned with poems scribed in “Nastalique” script. Energized cloud bands surround these cartouches, creating a captivating spiral flow and motion.

Octagon cartouches, set against a dark blue background, are embellished with “Khatai” and “Islimi” motifs. The narrow borders of the carpet rest on a base of scrolling stems abundant with flowers. Along the carpet’s edge, leaf and flower patterns, along with the “tchi” motif, echo the background, creating a harmonious repetition.