Ghalin History

TITLE: Tabriz 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, Gold and Silver Threads

TECHNIQUE: Turkish knot, 693,000 per sq.m. (477 knot per sq.in.)

DIMENSIONS : 204 x 195 cm (80 x 77 in.)

• Warp of white silk
• Weft of white silk
• Silk Pile with gold and silver threads)

LOCATION: Carpet Museum of Iran, Tehran, Iran

NOTE:

This damaged carpet showcases cloud-band borders that span the entire carpet area, reminiscent of the Chinese “tchi” motif. Abundantly featured in this carpet is the fish pattern, woven within its square design. The central “Toranj” exhibits blossoming branches adorned with motifs of flying fish and birds.

The elegance observed in the background seamlessly extends into the borders, which are embellished with “Sermeh Embroidery” using gold and silver tapestry threads. Until the establishment of the Iran Carpet Museum (thanks to the efforts of then-Queen Farah Pahlavi), this carpet was in the possession of the Museum of Ancient Iran.