Herat Carpet Fragment
17th century
Description
The faded red ground of this fragment once created a vivid backdrop for a profusion of quatrefoils, palmettes, and leaves connected by scrolling vines. The large scale of these motifs suggests that the fragment once formed part of a sizable carpet. Like a number of other Safavid rugs, it was probably cut up upon entering the market in the twentieth century so it could be sold in parts.
Dimensions
149.86 x 161.29 cm (59 x 63 1/2 in.)
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