Carpet
This prayer rug or sajjadah, identified by its central niche design, the Qur’anic inscriptions in its border, and the names of God in its spandrels, is consistent with a group of carpets thought to have been a diplomatic gift from the Safavid Shah ‘Abbas I to the Ottoman sultan Murad III (r. 1574–95). Because some of the verses promote a Shiite perspective by referring to the intercession of Shiite imams with God, the group was apparently never used by the Sunni Ottomans.
This carpet feature warps in two colors—one of a natural, undyed fiber and the other of a rarely seen intense red—that are arranged in an irregular pattern. Microscopic investigation has revealed remnants of the original selvage, or the woven edge, which is similar to some of those found on the masterpiece Safavid Carpets from the early sixteenth century.
This carpet feature warps in two colors—one of a natural, undyed fiber and the other of a rarely seen intense red—that are arranged in an irregular pattern. Microscopic investigation has revealed remnants of the original selvage, or the woven edge, which is similar to some of those found on the masterpiece Safavid Carpets from the early sixteenth century.
Artwork Details
- Title: Carpet
- Date: 16th century
- Geography: Attributed to Iran
- Medium: Silk (warp and weft), wool (pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetricaly knotted thread, brocaded
- Dimensions: Rug: L. 63 1/2 in. (161.3 cm)
W. 43 1/4 in. (109.9 cm) - Classification: Textiles-Rugs
- Credit Line: Mr. and Mrs. Isaac D. Fletcher Collection, Bequest of Isaac D. Fletcher, 1917
- Object Number: 17.120.124
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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second half 16th century
`Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi
late 15th century
16th century
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
Sultan Muhammad
ca. 1525
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
Qasim ibn 'Ali
ca. 1530
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