Tabriz (?)

This splendid carpet has the traditional medallion pattern with four corner motifs set on a dark blue ground. The medallion has sixteen points with pendants and a red ground, with a complex decoration with birds and “bands of clouds” (a curvilinear motif of Chinese origin) linked by a dense floral pattern.
In the centre of the medallion is an inscription: “By the labours of Ghyas el Din Jami this renowned work was brought to such a splendid conclusion in the year 949” (year 949 of the Hejira corresponds to 1542-1543).
On the blue field, various hunting scenes are represented, with men on horseback with bows, fantastic and wild creatures and birds. It is a symbolic representation of the garden of Eden: the animals engaged in combat represent the eternal struggle between vice and virtue, while the hunters allude to the quest for spiritual elevation. The carpet consists of various fragments recomposed, the missing parts being woven with tapestry stitch.
A fragment of the border (D.t. 1130, 48 x 135 cm) was recently donated by a generous collector, Alessandro Bruschettini, and, after restoration, in 2008 it has been sawn in its original position.