late 16th century
Africa
Object qualities
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Object
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSilk, wool
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SizeRug: H. 71 in. (180.34 cm) W. 44 in. (111.76 cm) Mount: H. 78 3/4 in. (200 cm) W. 52 1/2 in. (133.4 cm) D. 2 3/8 (6 cm)
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Geography detailsAttributed to
Africa -
Country today
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Datelate 16th century
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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The Ottoman workshops produced a great variety of carpet designs that usually employed a group of familiar elements, consisting of naturalistic flowers, lotuses, and palmettes, often combined with feathery lanceolate leaves, medallions, arabesques, and cloud bands—all of which are seen here. This rug is attributed to the court manufactory in Istanbul because of the distinct, well-drawn patterns in the field and the border, as well as the all-silk foundation. The small size and overall design of an arch shape in the central field suggest that this carpet was used as a prayer rug.