Needlework with Polylobed Medallion and Confronting Leopards
N°
00198
Period
Circa 1600
Origin
Arraiolos, Portugal
Status
Available
Size
294 cm x 152 cm9'7" x 4'11"
This magnificent blue ground early Arraiolos needlepoint displays a polylobed central medallion clearly inspired by the so called ‘Star Variant’ 15th/16th Century Ushak rugs, being protected at the top and bottom by a pair of confronting leopards, as sometimes seen on early Safavid weavings. The field is embellished by a plethora of motifs, including vases of flowering carnations rendered in the Ottoman style. The corner spandrels are instead decorated by a blossom palmette characteristic of the Arraiolos tradition, as is the elaborate cartouche-type border.