The history of carpet reaches the foretime of humankind. As a fur of beasts, in central Asian prairies, carpet was one of the first artwork used in daily life of people. From central Asia it spread into east and west, also into north Africa.
4000 years ago Egyptians depicted carpets in the drawings on the walls. The oldest (6th – 5th century B.C.) remaining carpet (tied one) is the famous Pazyrick, found in 1945 in Altai mountains’ frozen barrows (in Siberia). You may see this carpet in Hermitage museum in Sankt Petersburg.
Supposedly, carpet tying art was invented by central Asian nomads. They enriched fabric with woolen and bast tuft and it became much more durable and practical than fur of beasts.
In 15th century in Persia very important changes in carpets’ stylistics occurred – revolution of design: instead of geometrical flora’s details were used. In 17th century Iran was ruled by Safawiya dynasty. The highest power and luxury reached shah Abbas I. It influenced the artwork of carpets as well.
At the same time in Europe only rich people could decorate their palaces with carpets. Even Renaissance artists were enamored of the beauty of carpets and the richness of colors and tried to transfer that beauty into their paintings. Nowadays in world’s museums old carpets are very valuable exhibits.
|
|
