NORTH INDIA, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Persianate designs are one of the main sources of inspiration for nineteenth century Indian carpets. Displayed here is the so called 'bid majnun' or weeping willow design, an infinite repeat pattern originally derived from Safavid carpets woven in the vase technique, although it is more frequently encountered on eighteenth century northwest Persian carpets woven in the kelleh or corridor format. The rich, saturated colors combined with the soft, pashmina-like wool distinguish this Agra carpet as one of the best for its type.