Study of structural features and patterns of Kashan Rothschild carpet preserved in Doha Museum of Islamic Art

Iranian carpet is a prominent expression of Iranian culture and art. The design and patterns of Iranian carpets show different characteristics of the culture and art of different regions and climates and historical periods. Although the origin of carpet weaving is not clearly known, historians and experts believe that carpet weaving started with Iranians. Historical achievements show that carpet was originally created as insulation against cold and dampness and over time it played its role in form of ornamental and artistic work in homes and castles of nobles. Carpet weaving and carpet design, like other Iranian arts, flourished in the Safavid period. Valuable and impressive examples of carpets in various renowned museums of the world, such as the Ardabil carpet, are generally obtained from the royal carpet weaving workshops of this era. As it had original and outstanding achievements in various aspects from craftsmanship to visual art and patterns, the most prominent of which is the rich floral motifs on the carpet. These motifs form the image of many carpets in all subsequent periods until today. Also, the frames are more diverse and the natural colors are bright on the carpet. In this article, patterns, color, material and texture of a carpet with plant motifs from the Safavid period are examined; The present article studies the visual and physical structure of the Safavid-era Kashan Rothschild carpet in the Doha Museum of Qatar. In the Safavid period, mixed and new pictorial elements are used and the technique of carpet weaving with silk flourishes in the production of carpets for the nobility. This study answers these questions: What are the properties of Kashan Rothschild carpet motifs? What is the background of designs in this carpet? What is its weaving, material and color structure and properties? This research method is descriptive-historical and the method of collecting information is documentary. The Rothschild carpet is woven during the time of king Tahmaseb of the early Safavid dynasty, the beginning of the flourishing era of Iranian-Islamic art, and Kashan is the place of its weaving. The art of this city is famous for using symbolic motifs and warm colors are mainly used in its works. The analysis of the motifs shows that the arrays used in the Rothschild rug generally include the particular Safavid flowers such as Shah Abbasi and Chandpar and decorative arrays from the Timurid period such as Chinese clouds which are depicted based on historical floral motifs and Far Eastern motifs. These flowers, leaves, and stems are embossed on the Khatai bands in positions and angles of image from above and sideview, in various sizes and colors such as yellow, cream, navy blue, and red.  The weaver artist and designer of this carpet is unknown and uses bright and main colors in its structure. This carpet is made of pure silk and the colors shine on it. The method of weaving the Rothschild carpet is internal and flat without lint. In general, this 16th-century carpet has many influences from the art of the Far East, China, and the Timurid period, which is combined with unity and uniformity with native craftsmanship, rich culture, and new and common Iranian motifs of its time.