16th-Century Ardabil Carpets: Treasures of History Now Displayed in London and Los Angeles

Ardabil carpets, two monumental 16th-century masterpieces, are currently housed in prominent Western museums, far from their original home in Iran. Once part of the Safavid court’s exquisite collection for the shrine of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, these carpets exemplify the zenith of Persian carpet weaving. After being removed from their shrine post-earthquake in the late 19th century, they now reside in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), celebrated as icons of artistic heritage.

Originally commissioned between 1539 and 1540 during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I, these carpets bear the signature of Maqsud of Kashan, a renowned designer believed to have led the project at a royal workshop likely located in Tabriz. Each piece is adorned with a beautiful verse from the famous Persian poet Hafez, echoing the deep spiritual connection they were meant to embody:

“I have no refuge in this world other than thy threshold / My head has no resting place other than this doorway.”

These carpets were crafted during a flourishing period of carpet weaving in Safavid Iran, marked by the establishment of court-supported workshops and talented designers. Many exquisite examples from this era are now displayed in international museums, rather than in their homeland.

The larger of the two carpets, currently part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection, is recognized as “the world’s oldest dated carpet and one of the largest, most beautiful and historically significant.” Its design features:

• A vast yellow medallion at the center
• Two flanking hanging lamps
• Intricate scrollwork created using natural dyes

This carpet boasts a dense pile, with approximately 5,300 knots per ten square centimeters, totaling around 26 million knots. Historical records indicate that the carpet was still inside the shrine when British visitors encountered it in 1843. Following damage from an earthquake nearly thirty years later, it was sold to a Manchester firm and eventually entered the market in 1892. The V&A museum acquired it in 1893 for £2,000, following designer William Morris’s praise for its “singular perfection.”

During the late 19th century, the London carpet underwent significant restoration. Sections of both original Ardabil carpets were utilized to complete it, further altering the integrity of the pair. Today, it is displayed in a custom-built case within the V&A’s Jameel Gallery, where it is illuminated for short periods to preserve its vibrant colors.

The second carpet, housed at LACMA, measures 718 by 400 centimeters and is described as “spectacular.” It is woven from wool pile on a silk foundation and shares the same date, 946 AH (1539–40), along with the signature of Maqsud of Kashan. LACMA’s account emphasizes the carpets’ shared origin and highlights their exceptional scale, quality, and inscriptions, suggesting they were produced at a royal workshop in Tabriz.

Similar to its counterpart in London, the LACMA carpet features a medallion-and-lamp design. However, it has undergone less restoration and remains closer to its original proportions, allowing visitors to appreciate its authentic craftsmanship.

Today, in stark contrast to the grandeur of these historical masterpieces, Iran only displays a modern replica at the Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Museum. Despite millions of visitors marveling at the original carpets in London and Los Angeles, they are a world away from the shrine where they were originally intended to be admired.

As we reflect on the journey of these incredible Ardabil carpets, it is essential to recognize their cultural significance and the artistry that embodies them. The tale of their creation, their historical context, and their journey across continents is a testament to the rich heritage of Persian carpet weaving. While their physical presence may be thousands of kilometers away from their roots, their legacy continues to inspire awe and appreciation in art lovers around the globe.