Physical description
Warp: undyed silk; Z2S; 36-38 threads per in (144-52 per dm); depressed.
Weft: undyed silk; Z-spun, unplied; 2 parallel threads per shoot and 3 shoots after each row of knots; 16 knots per in (64 per dm).
Pile: wool; 10 colours; red, orange, yellow, dark green, green, dark blue, light blue, purple, dark brown/black (corroded), white; asymmetrical knot open to left and tied around 2 threads; 288-304 knot per sq in (4608-4864 per sq dm).
Side finish: missing - subsequently bound with cotton tape.
End finish: as side finish.
Field: red ground with two systems of spiralling stems running the length of the carpet. The dominant system is dark blue outlined in white and the secondary system is dark green. The blue spiralling stems link the large palmettes and composite blossoms, and the green spiralling stems bear small blossoms, rosettes and leaves. Jennifer Wearden suspects there has been disruption to the pattern in the upper part of the carpet because the spirals disappear from view. The pattern is mirrored across the central vertical axis. There is one pair of very large composite blossoms, and many more of varying sizes, and cloud bands surround some of the larger motifs. There are realistic and mythical animals. Some of the mythical animals are enclosed within palmettes. From the top, the realistic animals are (in pairs): large stag, hyena, cheetah/leopard, cheetah/leopard attacking buffalo, ibex, tigers, lion attacking spotted cow (? hoofed animal), cheetah/leopard, and (partially visible) wolf.
Main border: white ground with large indented ogees containing elaborate palmettes, many of which are wreathed by a stem with large flowers. The ground is heavily decorated with floral stems and the ogees are connected by broad red strapwork, and are surrounded by at least four purple cloudbands.
Inner border: dark brown/blue (corroded) ground with a light green meander bearing predominantly yellow, green and red blossoms, and leaves.
Outer border: red ground with an elongated double meander; one is dark blue outlined with white linking mainly orange and blue palmettes and the other is green and links sprays of light coloured flowers.
Place of Origin
Isfahan, Iran (probably, made)
Date
late 16th century-early 17th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Silk warp and weft, wool pile
Dimensions
Length: 376 cm, Width: 305 cm
Object history note
Purchased from Mrs. S. Brunton, 84 Brook Street, London.
Descriptive line
Carpet with large blossoms and scenes of animal combat, Iran (probably Isfahan), 1550-1650.
Labels and date
Carpet with Animals Fighting
Iran, probably Isfahan
1550-1650
This is one of a small group of carpets of very high quality, which includes the so-called Emperor carpet in Vienna. This example is remarkable for the white ground of the border and the liveliness with which the animals were drawn.
Silk warp (Z2S) and weft, wool pile
Museum no. 601-1894 [Jameel Gallery]
Subjects depicted
Animals
Categories
Floor coverings
Collection code
MES
