Reed Mat
برکة کاملة و نعمة شاملة و سعادة متواصلة و غبطة و سرور لصاحبه [repeated twice]
Complete blessing and universal prosperity and continued happiness and joy to its owner
Woven mats are attested in the Islamic Mediterranean as floor coverings in houses and religious buildings, and are found in tombs. Repeated twice, the Arabic inscription in this example suggests a private use, as it sends well-wishes to an unknown owner. A similar mat now in the Benaki Museum in Athens states the name of its workshop, the tiraz of Tabariyyah in Palestine. The town manufactured praised al-samaniyya mats mentioned by medieval Arab geographers.
Complete blessing and universal prosperity and continued happiness and joy to its owner
Woven mats are attested in the Islamic Mediterranean as floor coverings in houses and religious buildings, and are found in tombs. Repeated twice, the Arabic inscription in this example suggests a private use, as it sends well-wishes to an unknown owner. A similar mat now in the Benaki Museum in Athens states the name of its workshop, the tiraz of Tabariyyah in Palestine. The town manufactured praised al-samaniyya mats mentioned by medieval Arab geographers.
Artwork Details
- Title: Reed Mat
- Date: first half 10th century
- Geography: Attributed to present-day Israel, Tiberias/Tabariyyah
- Medium: Hemp (warp), straw (weft); weft faced plain weave, brocaded
- Dimensions: Rug:
L. 63 3/8 in. (161 cm)
W. 33 7/8 in. (86 cm)
Mount:
L. 66 1/4 in. (168.3 cm)
W. 33 5/8 in. (85.4 cm)
D. 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm)
Wt. 65 lbs. (29.5 kg) - Classification: Textiles-Rugs
- Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1939
- Object Number: 39.113
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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late 9th–early 10th century
10th century
7th–9th century
probably 10th century
6th century
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