The Ardabil Carpet, a masterpiece of 16th-century Persian weaving, represents a pinnacle of Safavid art. Though associated with Ardabil, scholars suggest it may have been woven in Kashan, a prominent center for carpet production during that era. Commissioned during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I (1501-1736 CE) for the Shrine of Shaykh Safi al-Din Ardabili, this monumental wool pile carpet on a silk foundation measures an impressive 34 feet 6 inches by 17 feet 5 inches and boasts over 25 million knots.
The carpet's intricate design features a central medallion surrounded by elaborate floral motifs, scrolling vines, and arabesques, reminiscent of a lush garden, a common theme in Islamic art. Notably, two asymmetrical mosque lamps hang from the central medallion, symbolizing divine knowledge and adding to the carpet's sacred context. Inscriptions include a couplet from the poet Hafiz, emphasizing devotion and humility, fitting for a piece created for a revered shrine. Dated 946 AH (1539-1540 CE), the Ardabil Carpet's precise dating is a rare and valuable historical marker. Its acquisition by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 1893 significantly elevated the recognition of Islamic art in Western collections, and its enduring influence continues to inspire textile art and design globally.
The Ardabil Carpet is one of the 250 works required for AP Art History. If you want to learn about more works from that list, check out my AP Art History Cram Session playlist on Spotify.
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