The Berlin Spiral Tendril Mughal Carpet
The Berlin Spiral Tendril Carpet
Mughal India Circa 1600, Museum of Islamic Art , Berlin. 1.
I see a design similarity to the work of Mir Sayyid Ali. It is tempting to attributed this carpet as being in the style of Mir Sayyid Ali but that presents some problems. Mir Sayyid Ali drops out of miniature painting by the 1580’s and it is generally believed that that is when he died. 2. I do not feel comfortable attributing this carpet as early as the 1580’s.
The Berlin Spiral Tendril Carpet
Page from The Bustan of Sa’di by Abdorrahim al-Heravi
Agra (India), 1605, This was the first major work completed when the ateliers of Akbar and Jahangir were merged. 3.
When Spuhler wrote of this carpet in “Oriental Carpets in the Museum of Islamic Art, Berlin” he suggested that it was to go in front of the throne and that if it were used as a pair it would be less spectacular. I think that suggestion misses the whole point of this art form. This rug was half of a pair that flanked the main carpet. What is spectacular was that the Padishah could maintain a level of opulence that would allow for a treasure such as this to be used as a secondary decoration.
Detail from The Prophet Elias Rescuing Nur ad-Dahr from the Sea.
Peacocks are certainly noticeable in Mughal art but Peahens are more rarely seen especially not with an accompanying peacock. ( the accompanying Peacock is visable in the full picture)
Detail – The Berlin Spiral Tendril Carpet
Please note the similarities in the Peahen particularly in the thick neck.
Detail – The Berlin Spiral Tendril Carpet
Please note the similarities in the Peahen particularly in the thick neck.
Detail – The Berlin Spiral Tendril Carpet
Mythical bovine animals are less common in Mughal carpets as compared to Persian carpets but they are seen occasionally as in this carpet. I can point to no particular reason except that perhaps Hindu artists are not as anxious to portray Bovines. If this carpet is in the style of Mir Sayyid Ali it would explain the use of a more Persianate design element.
Detail – From The Berlin Spiral Tendril Carpet
Please note the incidence of blue on blue in the floral form. The color usage maybe a clue in attributing to area.
Detail – Bustan of Sa’di by Abdorrahim al-Heravi
This is a detail from the book plate above with the in and out floral pattern. Note the blue on blue in the floral forms.