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Hi to All and Happy Lunar New Year,
The uploaded photo depicts a mat that has me completely flummoxed. I believe I know its origin, yet beyond that I have no idea what inspired the weaver to create this mat with this design. Yes, I can see elements of European 18th century Rococo design, but the overall impression I get is of something entirely different. The design doesn't quite work for a sampler because there is a central medallion with partial medallions on either side which depict the left and right sides of the central medallion.
Here is what I do know: The mat is woven with asymmetrical depressed knots open to the left where just one node of each knot is visible on the reverse side of the mat. There are two thin cotton wefts between each row of wool knots, and the warps are cotton as well. This structure and a simple boteh design in the border point to a Persian origin.
The knot count is 130 per square inch, and the mat has a triple wool selvage. This mat is expertly and purposefully woven, yet seems to be following an aesthetic which is both mysterious and unknown to me. I appreciate any further help to understand what is going on here and will supply more photos if requested.
John
The uploaded photo depicts a mat that has me completely flummoxed. I believe I know its origin, yet beyond that I have no idea what inspired the weaver to create this mat with this design. Yes, I can see elements of European 18th century Rococo design, but the overall impression I get is of something entirely different. The design doesn't quite work for a sampler because there is a central medallion with partial medallions on either side which depict the left and right sides of the central medallion.
Here is what I do know: The mat is woven with asymmetrical depressed knots open to the left where just one node of each knot is visible on the reverse side of the mat. There are two thin cotton wefts between each row of wool knots, and the warps are cotton as well. This structure and a simple boteh design in the border point to a Persian origin.
The knot count is 130 per square inch, and the mat has a triple wool selvage. This mat is expertly and purposefully woven, yet seems to be following an aesthetic which is both mysterious and unknown to me. I appreciate any further help to understand what is going on here and will supply more photos if requested.
John
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