Jameel Gallery
Length of Velvet with Men and Cypresses
Iran
1550-1650
Silk textiles decorated with large human figures are one of the most striking products of Iranian weavers in the 16th and 17th centuries. This length of velvet was probably used as a hanging. It shows aristocratic young men standing in a flower-strewn garden, on either side of a cypress tree that grows by a fish pond.
Silk velvet and metal-wrapped thread
Museum no. T.226-1923. Purchased with the assistance of the National Art Collections Fund, Mr I. Schwaiger, Selfridge & Co. Ltd, Mr A.F. Kendrick, Mr O.S. Berberyan, G.P. & J. Baker Ltd and Mr A. Bernadout [Jameel Gallery]
VELVET
Persian; 16th -17th century.
Young men smelling flowers, among cypress trees, flowering plants and fishponds. In silk pile and silver, on a gold ground, this is a masterpiece of velvet-weaving.
Formerly in the Treasury of Jaipur, India, this velvet was purchased with the help of contributions from the National Art Collections Fund and others. [Used until 09/2000]