Material: silk and wool

Size: L. 63 1/2 in. (161.3 cm) W. 43 1/4 in. (109.9 cm)

 

First, take a minute or two to look closely at the images above. Write down your reaction to this object--what details do you notice? Why did you pick this object for your response paper? Make notes on things that you notice about it. Also, write down any questions you have about it--what kinds of things would you want to know about this object? Remember the questions we ask in class. You don't need to have answers for these questions yet, but keep them in your notes.

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Once you have some questions written down, try to answer them by reading the information I've provided below about this object and its context.​

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What do we know about this object?​

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We don't know for certain where this was produced, but its style and the method of production match similar rugs produced in Iran in the 16th century, including a particularly spectacular group of rugs which were given as a diplomatic gift from the Safavid Shah Abbas I to the Ottoman Sultan Murad III. This carpet may have been part of that diplomatic gift.

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Around the edges of the carpet are verses of the Qu'ran, in calligraphic script. In the center are the various titles of Allah, and in the very center (in its own little cartouche) is the phrase "Allah is the greatest, the great."

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The Qu'ran verses are:

"The prophet believeth in what is sent down unto him, as well as the faithful believe. They all believe in God, in His angels, in His books and in all his prophets; declaring, we make no distinction between any of his prophets. And they say; we have heard and obeyed; we seek thy forgiveness, our Lord! And to Thee, all things shall return. God imposes no task upon any soul but according to its capacity.

 

"It will enjoy the fruit of the good it has done and will bear penalty for evil it has committed. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or commit fault without intention. Our Lord! Place no heavy burden upon us as thou hast put upon those who were before us."

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"He is God. There is no God besides Him, the living, the sustaining. No sleep overtakes him, nor does slumber. Unto Him belongeth what is in the heavens and earth. Who can intercede with Him without His permission? He knows whatever lies before them and whatever lies behind them. They cannot compass anything of His knowledge, excepting that which He wisheth. His throne contains the heavens and the earth. He does not grow fatigued in watching over them and He is knowing and wise."

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"And if the Koran is read you must listen because it is the word of the Creator. Call upon your God and He will have mercy on you. He will deliver you from your enemies. Do not be like those who sleep, for religion is the principal thing to God, and those who do not kneel and pray will be punished by Him."

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"He is God, He besides Whom there is no other God. He is the King, the holy, the peace-bestower, the faithful, the glorious, the honorable, the Almighty, the lord of pride. Exalted is God, the Creator, the giver of life, the framer of form. Unto Him belong the most beautiful names. He is the first and the last; the manifest and the hidden; and He knows everything."

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"He is the truth, the clear, the luminous, the praise-worthy, the living, the kingly, the patient, the noble, the chosen, the bestower of bounties and lights of excellence. He is the lord of mercy, lord of power, lord of destiny, lord of compassion. He is the forgiver of sins, bestower of kindness, producer of prosperity and possessor of grandeur and magnificence."

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"And unto God pay homage, all that are in the heavens and on earth, willingly and unwillingly, and also do their shadwos, in forenoons and afternoons. Say - "who is the lord of heaven and earth? Say - "God" Say "Have ye then chosen besides Him, as lords, those who possess no power, either to benefit themselves or to guard themselves against harm?"

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which owns this carpet, also says that this carpet feature warps in two colors--one of a natural, undyed fiber and the other of a rarely seen intense red--that are arranged in an irregular pattern. Microscopic investigation has revealed remnants of the original selvage, or the woven edge, which is similar to some of those found on the masterpiece Safavid Carpets from the early sixteenth century.

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Some things to consider in your response paper:​

• What was your response to this object? What drew your eye? You are encouraged to use first person (I/me) in your response paper. I want to know what you think.

• Consider the artistic details of this object carefully. What kinds of decisions did the artist make when they were creating this piece, and why? 

• Compare the details of this carpet to the Islamic art we looked at in class. What are some common features? What aspects of this rug are related to Islamic religion or religious symbols? Also, the shape in the center (which almost looks a bit like the head and shoulders of a person) could be compared to the shape of a mosque tower or some other aspect of Islamic architecture (maybe an arch?)--at least that's what I see. Do you agree?

• What do the Quranic verses add to this rug? How was this rug designed to be used? Why do you think this might have made an appropriate diplomatic gift?