This type of carpet is known as a ‘Polonaise carpet’ even though it was made in Iran. The design of this fragment is nearly identical to that of a huge carpet donated to the shrine at Najaf in Iraq, probably by Shah Abbas the Great.
The misleading name arose because carpets of this type came to Europe in the early 17th century through trade or as royal gifts. Many were found in Poland and were later mistaken for Polish products. This gave rise to the term ‘Polonaise carpet’.
Physical description
A large rectangular carpet fragment with borders on two sides. Strapwork design in red and yellow silk with gold- and silver-wrapped thread.
Place of Origin
Isfahan, Iran (probably, made)
Date
1600-1625 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Silk warp and weft, silk pile with metal-wrapped thread
Dimensions
Length: 259 cm, Width: 144.8 cm
Descriptive line
Silk carpet with prominent strapwork design ('Polonaise' carpet), Iran (probably Isfahan), 1600-1625.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
The Arts of Islam, Catalogue of the exhibition held at the Hayward Gallery, 8 April - 4 July, 1976, The Arts Council of Great Britain, 1976.Cat. no. 64, p.101.
NB Credit line is wrong (carpet was a purchase, not a gift)
Aga-Oglu, M. Safawid rugs and Textiles: The Collection of the Shrine of Imam Ali at Al-Najaf, Columbia University, 1941, pp. 9ff.
Dimand, M. S. Oriental Rugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1973. pp. 59-60
Allan, W. James, The Art and Architecture of Twelver Shi'ism: Iraq, Iran and the Indian Sub-Continent (Azimuth Editions, London, 2012) ISBN. 9781898592297
Exhibition History
Gifts of the Sultan: The Arts of Giving at the Islamic Courts (Los Angeles County Museum of Art 05/06/2011-31/12/2011)
Labels and date
Carpet Fragment with Red Ground
Iran, probably Isfahan
1600-25
Carpets of this type were taken to Europe in the early 17th century through trade as or royal gifts. Many were found in Poland and were later mistaken for Polish products. Yet the design is nearly identical to that of a huge carpet donated to the shrine at Najaf in Iraq, probably by Shah Abbas the Great.
Silk pile with silk warp and weft and metal thread
Museum no. T.36-1954 [Jameel Gallery]
Production Note
The term 'Polonaise carpet' arose when carpets of this type were found in Polish collections.
Materials
Silk; Thread
Techniques
Weaving
Categories
Textiles
Collection code
MES
