A Masterpiece of Persian Grandeur: The Bacri-Clark Sickle-Leaf ‘Throne’ Carpet

For centuries, Iran and its culture played a pivotal role in shaping language, literature and visual art across Asia, from Istanbul to Delhi. Persian art flourished and came to be regarded as the highest expression of creativity and power between the 14th and 19th centuries CE. At the turn of the 17th century CE, this legacy found one of its most powerful expressions under Shah ‘Abbas the Great, whose reign marked a decisive moment in Iran’s political, economic, and artistic history. From his capital in Isfahan, Shah ‘Abbas reshaped Iran into a global centre of commerce, craftsmanship, and courtly culture. This time stands out for the scale and ambition of its artistic vision.

A Ruler Shaping Iran’s Artistic Splendour

Under the Safavid rulers and particularly Shah ‘Abbas, artistic production reached new heights. He reshaped the political, economic, and artistic destiny of Iran. While shifting the centre of power decisively to Isfahan for political and military reasons, he consolidated artistic activity within Iran. He transformed the city into the main economic centre of the empire and a monumental expression of Safavid power, faith, and wealth. The heart of the city became the Maidan-e Shah, an enormous public square surrounded by the Shah Mosques, the Ali Qapu royal palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Strong control over silk production across the country, together with profits from its trade, funded architectural projects by the royal house, stimulating the production of luxury textiles and carpets. The art of weaving reached great levels of technical and aesthetic refinement.

Carpets woven in this context were not isolated artworks, but products of a tightly controlled royal economy. Safavid carpets from this period were produced for both courtly use and export, embodying spirituality, authority, prestige, and artistic refinement, and securing their place as enduring symbols of Persian art.

A Radiant Vision in Thread and Pattern

Among all the surviving carpets of the Safavid era, few command the attention of the viewer like the Bacri-Clark Sickle-Leaf ‘Throne’ Carpet. It is celebrated for its dynamic rhythm and energy, intricate, non-linear patterns and curved, serrated leaves also known as sickle or saz leaves. The use of silk in the weaving structure adds to its richness and vibrant colour palette, creating an extremely detailed pattern. Swirling vines, floral branches, pointed leaves, palmettes and a pair of cypress trees are symmetrically organised on the vertical axis. The overall field shows an asymmetrical composition, which makes the carpet stand out.

Woven with an exceptionally high knot density, the carpet exemplifies the technical sophistication achieved by Safavid weavers working for royal patrons. The striking red background is unique when compared to the other Safavid examples with sickle-leaf designs. This visual complexity reflects the refined craftsmanship promoted under Shah ‘Abbas’s courtly patronage.

A Daring Reimagination

Due to its small dimensions, the carpet is believed to have served as a throne dais, rather than a floor covering. Moving from standard carpets of the time by reinterpreting traditional motifs, it created a new artistic language, transforming familiar elements into something unique. Its very name, the Bacri-Clark Sickle-Leaf ‘Throne’ Carpet, reflects the fact that such carpets were not only symbols of Safavid artistic creativity, but also highly coveted objects and prized possessions among European aristocratic families, royalty, and wealthy collectors. Carpets from Iran became markers of social prestige and status. A visual testament, the carpet is no doubt an outstanding piece of history.

The vision and cultural refinement of the great dynasties of the past continue to captivate audiences today at the Museum of Islamic Art.

Nicoletta Fazio, Curator for Iran and Central Asia, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

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Visit the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) to discover exquisite carpets and other extraordinary treasures that speak of the artistic brilliance and sophisticated elegance of the time.