Cover, silk embroidery on cotton
Azerbaijan, Caucasus; 1st half of 18th century
149 × 135 cm

18th-century Caucasian embroideries were frequently dominated by a central polygon, as in this magnificent example. It was accompanied by stylized vegetal ornamentation, trees, and animals, and in fairly rare cases human figures. With their ornamentation and rich but slightly somber palette, they may resemble the Caucasian dragon carpets that emerged from the local nomadic culture. Like them, these embroideries differ from the more refined and internationally oriented court art that was produced in the main cities of Iran.

The C. L. David Foundation and Collection, Inv. no. 37/1969