Fragment of the “Ardabil carpet,” silk and wool
Northern Iran; completed 1539-1540
H: 47; W: 55 cm
Inventory number 25/2008
This fragment comes from one of the most famous Persian carpets, the “Ardabil carpet.” Shah Tahmasp commissioned two gigantic carpets of the highest quality for the Shaykh Safi Mausoleum in Ardabil, founder of the Safavid dynasty. According to their inscriptions, they were completed in 1539-1540.
At the end of the 19th century, the two very worn carpets were acquired by an English rug dealer, who combined them to form an almost perfect piece – the “Ardabil carpet” – found today at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
Other fragments of various sizes remained from this operation, including this one, from an outer border. The fragment bears witness to these unique carpets’ richness of detail.
At the end of the 19th century, the two very worn carpets were acquired by an English rug dealer, who combined them to form an almost perfect piece – the “Ardabil carpet” – found today at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
Other fragments of various sizes remained from this operation, including this one, from an outer border. The fragment bears witness to these unique carpets’ richness of detail.
