Jameel Gallery
Carpet with Floral Lattice
Iran, possibly Kirman
1600-1700
This carpet is one of a group in which the motifs are organised in a lattice pattern on several levels. As vases often occur in these designs, they are sometimes called 'vase carpets'. The group's weave of cotton, silk and wool is also distinctive.
This example belonged to the British designer William Morris (1834-96), who used it as a source for his own work.
Cotton warp (Z3/4S), silk and cotton wefts, and wool pile
Museum no. 719-1897 [Jameel Gallery]
This 17th-century 'vase carpet' from the Kirman area of southern Iran once graced the dining room of William Morris' home, Kelmscott House. On his death it was purchased by the Museum.
This type of carpet is named after the small vase or vases which appear in many, but not all, of them: a blue and white striped vase can be seen two-thirds of the way up the central part of this carpet.
One of the easiest ways to regulate a pattern is to use a repeating framework on which to place motifs. In vase carpets the framework is created by two or three overlaid lattices. There are three lattices in this example: a white one, a light blue one, and a dark blue/red/light blue one. Large, stylised blossoms have been placed on these lines and realistic sprays of flowers have been placed in the spaces created by the lattices.
The upper part of the carpet is missing. A second, less detailed Vase carpet is 364-1897.
[old label from Gallery 42] [unknown]