Spanish Carpet

Spain was the only place in Europe, during the Middle Age with carpet workshops. These workshops were very well-known by their quality. Spanish carpets are known for the different types of decoration (octagons, wheels or brocades). This carpet has octagons like Persian carpets, also known as Holbein pattern. It has ten squares set out in two vertical lines, which have an octagon with eight-pointed stars and palmettes. Blue, red and cream hues predominate, while there are Moorish details and fruit trees in the borders. Since the end of the Middle Ages, the most prestigious carpet workshops were Alcaraz, in the province of Albacete. During the mid-15th century and the 16th century many were produced and new centres were opened, like the ones in Cuenca and Valencia.