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This is a photograph of an intricately designed rug. The rug displays a classic Persian motif with a central medallion and a complex pattern of floral designs and arabesques set against a rich red background. The design is symmetrical, featuring ornate flourishes and scrolling patterns in muted tones of blue, gold, and cream, with hints of green. The border of the rug is decorated with larger floral patterns and vines, framing the central design. The craftsmanship reveals a detailed weaving technique that highlights the artistry and cultural heritage associated with handmade carpets. The aged appearance of the rug suggests it holds historical value and has been preserved over time.
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This is a photograph of an intricately designed rug. The rug displays a classic Persian motif with a central medallion and a complex pattern of floral designs and arabesques set against a rich red background. The design is symmetrical, featuring ornate flourishes and scrolling patterns in muted tones of blue, gold, and cream, with hints of green. The border of the rug is decorated with larger floral patterns and vines, framing the central design. The craftsmanship reveals a detailed weaving technique that highlights the artistry and cultural heritage associated with handmade carpets. The aged appearance of the rug suggests it holds historical value and has been preserved over time.

National Gallery of Art · Decorative Art

Arabesque Band Carpet

Indian or Persian 17th Century

Date
c. 1650
Medium
wool pile on cotton warp and cotton weft
Dimensions
overall size: 1077 x 409 cm (424 x 161 in.) overall (width at top): 398.8 cm (157 in.) overall (width at center): 402.6 cm (158 1/2 in.) overall (width at bottom): 409 cm (161 in.)
Classification
Decorative Art · Textile
Accession number
1942.9.476
Credit line
Widener Collection
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Indian
  • Persian
  • Decorative Arts. Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings; Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets
  • knotted
  • woven
Provenance

Duke of Braganza, Lisbon, Portugal.[1] (Vitall and Leopold Benguiat, New York); sold 18 February 1900 to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener, by gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; gift 1942 to NGA. [1] According to information supplied by the dealer Vitall Benguiat (letter of 29 March 1900 to Peter A. B. Widener in NGA curatorial files), this carpet "was originally in the reception room of the palace of the Duke of Braganza in Lisbon"; he classified it as a "'Persian Ispahan' of the 16th century made by the Royal Art Manufacturer. The designs and colors were drawn by special artists, for a European gift."

NGA object ID 1654. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.