Silk Kashan Carpet - Unknown Artist

A high-resolution reproduction of a 16th-century Persian silk carpet from Kashan, featuring a traditional medallion design and floral motifs.

This fine art print reproduces a 16th-century silk carpet from the Kashan region of Persia. During the Safavid period, Kashan became a centre for the production of luxury textiles, often commissioned for royal courts or as diplomatic gifts. The design follows the classic medallion format, featuring a central lobed motif surrounded by a field of scrolling vines, palmettes, and floral elements. The composition is balanced, with the central medallion mirrored by smaller corner pieces, creating a sense of order within the dense decorative field.

The colour palette relies on a contrast between the deep red ground and the cooler blue and gold tones of the motifs. The border is equally detailed, containing a sequence of repeating floral forms that frame the central field. The use of silk as a medium allowed for a high degree of precision in the weaving, enabling the inclusion of fine details that would be difficult to achieve with coarser wool. The wear visible in the original piece suggests its age and the history of its use, which this print captures with high-resolution clarity.

Persian carpets of this era are noted for their technical mastery and the sophistication of their patterns. The design reflects the aesthetic preferences of the Safavid era, where symmetry and naturalistic floral motifs were combined to create objects of great visual density. This print offers a view into the craftsmanship of the period, providing an opportunity to examine the layout and colour choices of a historical textile. It is suitable for those interested in the history of decorative arts or the development of textile patterns in the Middle East.