Document: "Floral and Cloudband" Carpet 17th century

This type of carpet was part of the standard trade goods that travelled around the world in Dutch merchant ships.   These carpets were the perfect size to drape over a table, keeping the lap warm in winter, and acting as a decorative spot of color in wealthier households. 

Metropolitan Museum of Art Summary: This type of carpet is characterized by a weft structure with four plies and a dense knot count, which explain the tightness and heaviness of the rug. Common Persian motifs are usually knotted in a rich palette with two to three different tones per color. Starting from the center, cloudbands, peonies, lotuses, and other flowers develop in spiral-like movements and are arranged following vertical and horizontal symmetrical axes. Contrasting ground colors—rich red and dark blue—accentuate the vibrancy of the rug and help distinguishing the border from the field.

Title: "Floral and Cloudband" Carpet

Date: 17th century

Geography: Attributed to Iran

Medium: Cotton (warp and weft), wool (pile); asymmetrically knotted pile

Dimensions: L. 97 1/2 in. (247.7 cm)
W. 56 1/4 in. (142.9 cm)