18th century
Carpets of this type have been described as “millefleur” (thousand flowers) rugs because of their profusion of floral motifs. A plethora of flowers emerge from a central vase, contained within a niche. This niche could indicate use as a prayer rug or allude to an arched gateway and signal the carpet’s function as a hanging. The goathair or pashmina pile of this carpet is particularly luxurious. This material readily absorbs dye stuffs, creating a vibrantly colored carpet.
174 x 111 cm (68 1/2 x 43 11/16 in.)
Linen and wool
6th-7th centuryByzantineBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseWool and linen
2nd-4th century CEByzantineVegetable-dyed banana fiber, plain weave
18th-19th centuryJapaneseRed silk damask with embroidered decoration
18th-19th centuryChineseTextile fibers
20th centuryGermanFiber/filament
16th centuryItalianLinen and wool, tapestry woven
Coptic