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Persia, Kashan, mid-sixteenth century
Silk
230 x 180 cm
Inv. no. T.100
Persian silk carpets are generally regarded as being the finest of knotted carpets. This example belongs to a relatively homogeneous series of about sixteen. Some have a central medallion, inspired by Persian arts of the book; others are decorated with human or animal figures.
This carpet combines two decorative characteristics, a central lobed quatrefoil medallion with phoenix and dragons in combat, alternating with two palmettes. The field, with a red ground is filled with lions, tigers, panthers and antelopes and floral motifs. Pheasants with rich plumage alternate with palmettes and flowers round the border.
The city of Kashan was a well known for trading and manufacturing of silk from the XV century onwards. Reports from European travellers, as from the end of the XVI century, document the existence of silk carpets that were regarded as luxury goods.
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