Safavid Velvet with Figural Imagery
Title: Velvet with Figural Imagery
Date: Mid-16th century
Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread, cut and voided velvet
Credit Line: Met Museum accession number 52.20.11
The Safavid dynasty of Iran produced brilliant textiles of many media, including very luxurious and intricate velvets, which showcased the mastery of the weavers. Figural designs often took influence from manuscript illustrations and feature popular pastimes, which in the case of this specific velvet is falconry. In this scene, the falcon sits on the prince’s arm while a duck flies away. The prince’s attendant holds a receptacle and a bag for the game. The princely figure on this textile wears traditional Safavid dress for that time, identifiable by the taj Haidari turban. This velvet features a lattice pattern formed by hexafoil medallions with the human figures inside, while vegetal designs which feature lion’s head fill the wine-colored space in between.