Some of the greatest art carpets of the world were created between the 15th and 20th centuries, beginning with the great Persian Safavid carpets, whose visual poetry inspired the fabled Mughal ones, which in turn inspired the Kashmir rug.
The ‘Rug Weaves’ showcases Persian and Kashmir art carpets, which reflects the passion of both the weaver and S.M. Tariq, cognoscenti and collector, who is from a family of carpet weavers.
Tariq’s careful selection includes three Persian and a collection of rare Kashmiri art carpets. The Persian set comprises a Tabriz, a Shahi Kirman and a 10/13 ft Pawai carpet in subtle shades of white. The Tabriz is a 10/13 ft matchless depiction of Iran’s Islamic and pre-Islamic history depicted in the imagery of Sumerian and Zoroastrian mythical birds, animals and half human, part lion figures. A symphony in blue, it also features mosques, Islamic minarets, cumulous clouds and flower-filled aftabs executed with minute detailing.
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The Shahi Kirman, another magical blue carpet, sports a medallion in the centre surrounded by Zodiac signs. Awash with roses, chrysanthemums and scrolling vine, the highlight of this magnificent piece is how the artist-weaver depicts sunlight and shadow in silk or woollen weaves. It carries a narrative in the Kufi script and is signed Bafata Iran Kasrai Kafali. The spectacular play of vine and roses set apart the Kashmiri creations. An amazing carpet featuring two trees of life, full of dancing birds and the largest, reddest roses, is a scene stealer. A pretty Guldaan carpet has a scattering of white blossoms on a blood red background. A minimalist Star of David medallion, surrounded by delicate floral sprays, decorates another red carpet. A ‘neelam’ wool carpet celebrates shades of turquoise blue, over which roses are scattered in abandon, while a 6/4 ft rug has parts of a flowering tree in abstract composition.
Sadly, with youngsters from weaving families opting out at an alarming rate, the Kashmiri carpet might become extinct.
Art carpets are on view at Tulsis Arteriors, 6, Rutland Gate, 4th Street, till September 17( Ph: 9791190718).
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