An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Royal Carpet with Silk and Metal Thread1600–1625
The Safavid dynasty was the greatest dynasty from Iran in the Islamic period. Similarly, woven textiles and carpets from this period are some of the best produced in the region. Royal workshops produced luxurious textiles, like this one, to furnish the royal court. Expertly woven silks were highly prized by the Iranian elite but were also produced for export to the European aristocracy.
16th- and 17th-century Iranian carpets with silk and metal thread were mistakenly called "Polish," based on one displayed in the Polish exhibit at the Paris World Fair in 1878.
Cotton: warp; cotton and silk: wefts; silk: pile, asymmetrical knot; gilt- and silver-metal thread: brocaded
Overall: 236.2 x 143.5 cm (93 x 56 1/2 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In the heart of a vibrant Persian landscape, a dynasty blossomed, weaving together threads of history and culture. The Safavid dynasty, hailed as the greatest of Iran during its Islamic epoch, stood tall and proud like the majestic mountains in the distance. It was an era marked not only by political might but also by exceptional artistry—particularly in the realm of woven textiles and carpets.
As the sun poured its golden rays over the royal court, artisans busied themselves in workshops that hummed with creativity and skill. Here, amidst the rhythm of looms, luxurious textiles took shape, each piece a masterpiece adorned with delicate patterns and vibrant colors. These extraordinary silk creations were not merely fabric; they were treasures, coveted by the elite of Iran and beyond. While the threads of the textiles whispered secrets of opulence to the Iranian nobility, their sumptuousness also caught the eye of European aristocrats, eager to claim a piece of Persian artistry for their own grand halls.
Each woven tapestry told its own story—a narrative of craftsmanship, tradition, and the rich tapestry of life in the Safavid empire. As the artisans poured their hearts and souls into every stitch, the legacy of their work would echo through the ages, marking a golden era of creativity that would forever resonate in the world of art and culture.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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