17th century
Iran
Object qualities
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Object
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSilk (warp, weft, and pile), metal wrapped thread; asymmetrically knotted pile, brocaded
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SizeRug: L. 91 1/2 in. (232.4 cm) W. 68 in. (172.7 cm) Tube: Diam. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm) W. 82 in. (208.3 cm)
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Geography detailsMade in
Iran -
Country today
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Date17th 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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This silk carpet combines an unusually dense weave for a Persian carpet, with a composition inspired by Flemish tapestry. While the pictorial scene can be traced to seventeenth‑century Europe, the technique and execution point to the Safavid court as the source of patronage and production. It is possible that such carpets were woven in Iran for export or intended as diplomatic gifts. The smaller scale of the buildings suggests the influence of European perspective. The border compartments, whose arrangement is also repeated symmetrically, show figures in European dress, flower vases, and reclining deer.