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Velvet and Silk Carpet

17th century
Not on view
For special occasions, Mughal palaces and pavilions were spread with silk hangings, carpets, and embroidered velvets. On one New Year’s Day, for instance, the emperor Jahangir mentioned visiting his vizier and brother‑in‑law Asaf Khan, who had covered the road from the palace with velvets woven with gold and gold brocade. This sumptuous carpet may have been used for such an occasion. Its design is reminiscent of Iranian textiles, but ink inscriptions in Gujarati script on its selvages indicate that the carpet was woven in that state, which was well known for the production of silks, velvets, and cottons.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Velvet and Silk Carpet
  • Date: 17th century
  • Geography: Attributed to India
  • Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread; cut and voided velvet, brocaded
  • Dimensions: Rug: L. 183 1/2 in. (466.1 cm)
    W. 103 3/4 in. (263.5 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Rugs
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1927
  • Object Number: 27.115
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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