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Pashmina Carpet with Niche Design and Millefleur Pattern

Pashmina Carpet with Niche Design and Millefleur Pattern

Indian

Carpets of this type have been described as “millefleur” (thousand flowers) rugs because of their profusion of floral motifs. A plethora of flowers emerge from a central vase, contained within a niche. This niche could indicate use as a prayer rug or allude to an arched gateway and signal the carpet’s function as a hanging. The goathair or pashmina pile of this carpet is particularly luxurious. This material readily absorbs dye stuffs, creating a vibrantly colored carpet.

Pashmina wool (undercoat of cashmere goat) pile on a foundation of silk warps and cotton wefts

Mughal period

Textile Arts