The Arhan Mamluk carpet. Cairo, Egypt, 16th century, The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar

The Arhan Mamluk carpet. Cairo, Egypt, 16th century, Ottoman Empire. 2.51 x 3.08m (8'3" x 10'1"). The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar. no. A22

The Arhan Mamluk carpet, reportedly with the same Turkish family for over seventy years, was acquired by the MIAQ in 1997. Probably made in the second quarter of the 16th century, it has just three colours, red, green and blue. The red (lac) has corroded, while the blue (indigo) and green pile is quite high in places, giving a sculpted effect. The carpet had been folded for many years: along the fold lines are some tiny holes, probably caused by moth and now skillfully restored. The drawing is remarkably good, and the serrated edge of the eight-pointed star medallion is also found on some second period carpets. An extra panel at each end of the field contains large circular medallions alternating with groups of three trees: a palm flanked by cypresses. A special feature, in the inner and outer minor borders, is the three balls and wavy lines of the Ottoman çintamani symbol.