Design Story
This pure silk masterpiece exemplifies the classical all-over floral design tradition—a pattern aesthetic perfected during the Safavid dynasty (1502-1732) when Persian carpet weaving reached its artistic zenith. Unlike medallion carpets that draw the eye to a central focal point, all-over designs celebrate nature's abundance, spreading botanical motifs across the entire field in rhythmic, harmonious repetition.
The composition presents a deep midnight-black ground densely populated with scrolling vines, Shah Abbas palmettes and delicate floral sprays rendered in luminous shades of amber, coral, dusty rose, sage, and cream. This color combination creates dramatic contrast—the dark field allows each flower and tendril to emerge with crystalline clarity, as if illuminated from within by silk's natural sheen.
The Shah Abbas palmette—a signature motif of the Safavid era—appears throughout the field in various scales and orientations. Named for Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629), this complex floral form features fan-shaped arrangements of palm leaves interwoven with lotus and peony elements, creating layered depth that distinguishes it from simpler botanical representations. These palmettes are connected by sinuous arabesque vines that meander across the field, their organic curves softening the visual density.
The wide caramel and gold borders frame the composition with luxurious presence, their surfaces filled with large-scale palmettes and scrolling foliage that echo the interior field while providing breathing space for the eye. Multiple guard borders featuring geometric and floral micro-patterns create transitional zones between field and edge, demonstrating the weaver's mastery of hierarchical design.
Hand-knotted at 324 knots per square inch (50 Raj, approximately 0.50 million knots per square meter), this carpet achieves remarkable definition. The all-over floral format allows larger, more expressive blooms and thicker vine work—a deliberate design choice that maximizes visual impact while showcasing the natural luster of pure silk.
This carpet embodies Kashmir's enduring interpretation of classical oriental carpet designs, where all-over compositions create immersive visual experiences that transform floors into woven gardens.
Product Description
Midnight Garden All-Over Floral Pure Silk Carpet — 6 x 9 ft
Material: 100% Pure Silk
Knot Density: 324 KPSI / 50 Raj (~0.50 million knots per m²)
Dimensions: 6 ft x 9 ft (183 cm x 274 cm)
Design Inspiration: Safavid-era all-over floral tradition with Shah Abbas palmettes
Craftsmanship: Hand-knotted by master artisans in Kashmir, India
Colors & Motifs: Midnight-black field with all-over pattern of Shah Abbas palmettes, floral vines and scrolling arabesques in amber, coral, rose, and sage; wide caramel and gold borders with large-scale palmette compositions and multiple decorative guard borders
Why Collect This Piece?
A faithful interpretation of the classical all-over floral aesthetic that defined royal court weaving during the Safavid golden age.
The dramatic black ground paired with jewel-toned florals creates striking visual impact while allowing silk's natural luminosity to showcase each motif with exceptional clarity.
Ideal for collectors seeking bold, pattern-rich textiles, or as a statement piece for interiors where traditional aesthetics meet contemporary drama.
The Midnight Garden (6' x 9')
6 feet x 9 feet | 72" x 108"
