Persian rug

The Persian rug is an essential part of Persian (Iranian) art and culture. Thus carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to the Bronze Age.

Related Topics:
Persian - Weaving - Bronze Age

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The earliest surviving corpus of Persian carpets come from the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736) in the 16th century. However, painted depictions prove a longer history of production. There is much variety among classical Persian carpets of the 16th and 17th century. Common motifs include scrolling vine networks, arabesques, palmettes, cloud bands, medallions, and overlapping geometric compartments. This is because Islam, the dominant religion in that part of the world, forbids the depiction of humans or animals. Still, some show figures engaged either in the hunt or feasting scenes. The majority of these carpets are wool, but several silk examples produced in Kashan survive.

Related Topics:
Safavid - Arabesque - Palmette - Cloud band - Islam - Wool - Silk - Kashan

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