IRAN, SECOND HALF 17TH CENTURY

The rich midnight blue ground of this silk fragment is woven with a design of delicately drawn floral spray surrounded by Chinese clouds in bright gold thread, which remains in wonderful condition. The Safavid period heralded the peak of Iranian weaving and textile design. The depiction of flowering plants as shown here became particularly popular in the second half of the 17^th century, largely due to the drawings and paintings of Shafi ‘Abbasi, son of Reza ‘Abbasi, during the reign of Shah ‘Abbas II. Two other panels of the same design were sold at Bonhams, London, 15 April 2010, lot 92 and in these Rooms, 5 October 2010, lot 242.