Carpet, floral design

DateLate 18th or early 19th c.

MediumWool pile, natural cotton warps, brown cotton wefts.

Dimensions16'5" X 5'2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1961-173

DescriptionFloral design carpet of senna knots; about 80 knots per square inch; 2 shoots brown cotton wefts after each row of knots. Colors: Ground: field- dark blue, main border- red, outer border- brown/red, inner border and guard bands-gold. Pattern: light blue, medium blue, dark blue, rose, red, gold, green, white, dark brown. the central design is one of large full-blown flowers arranged in 3 vertical rows. The center row shows 2 different floral medallions alternating, while in the 2 outer rows the floral medallions alternate with full-blown flowers viewed from the side. Gracefull curving stems with leaves and small flowers cover the intervening field. The main border shows waving tendrils with flowers and leaves. The gusrd bands have a design of small rose ettes and stiff stems, while the outer boder shows a series of reciprocal trefoils.

Construction History
Late 18th or early 19th century: Initial construction
1976: Hand-cleaned, borders, fringes, and center repaired by Beshir Galleries (New York, NY)Label TextThis intricate diamond and floral medallion carpet is attributed to the town of Joshagan, a hub of rug weaving in Central Persia whose production can be dated back to the 16th century.
Persian carpets are more rarely located in a European or American context before the mid-nineteenth century, especially in comparison to the historically prominent (in visual represenations and trade records), "Turkey" carpet. Some scholars even suggest that the label, "Persia carpet," was used as a signifier of prestige, not provenance in the Western world.Inscription(s)None foundMark(s)None foundProvenancePrior to 1961, Beshir Galleries (New York, NY), 1961-present, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)