Revealed: a monumental silk Safavid carpet that lay ‘undocumented, unillustrated and essentially unknown’ for centuries

In 2007, this monumental silk Safavid ‘Polonaise’ carpet surfaced at auction in Osaka in Japan. ‘It’s extraordinary that until then this carpet was undocumented, unillustrated and essentially unknown to academics in this field,’ says Louise Broadhurst, international head of Rugs and Carpets. ‘It’s an extremely exciting new discovery that’s in wonderful condition.’ The carpet will be offered for sale in Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds including Rugs and Carpets on 24 October 2024 at Christie’s in London.

The carpet was woven during the reign of Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629), fifth Shah of Iran and ruler of the Safavid Empire. ‘Abbas was one of the greatest rulers in Persian history and an enlightened patron of the arts,’ says Broadhurst, who adds that he established painting, ceramic and carpet-weaving workshops in his new capital of Isfahan. ‘He created a quarter within Isfahan called New Julfa, where Armenian weavers, known for their silk-weaving prowess, were able to work in the royal ateliers.’

Silk carpets were reserved almost exclusively for his own palaces, or made as gifts for visiting noblemen or ambassadors. The so-called ‘Polonaise’ group, produced during the late 16th and throughout the 17th century, were woven in brightly coloured silks, mostly on a cotton warp and silk weft. They became known for their elegant patterns, balanced compositions and extensive use of gold and silver metal thread, which gave them a dazzling appearance.