NORTH INDIA, CIRCA 1900

Under the Mughal maharajas in 17th century India, and most particularly during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658), heightened attention was placed on the naturalistic rendering of the surrounding flora. Distinctive designs comprising rows or formal arrangements of naturalistic flowers were woven upon rich ruby-red grounds, accurately displaying recognisable specimens of lily, poppy, carnation, tulip, violet and narcissus. Such designs remained popular with Indian weavers for the following two centuries although greater artistic liberties were taken, often making identification problematic. The decorative design of this nineteenth century carpet recalls these early Mughal patterns but is now set upon an ivory ground and the flowers have been miniaturised and are perhaps less recognisable.