Large format, wonderful reproductions, well chosen examples, and enlightening text, Miniature paintings unlock the door to a thorough reexamination of the ubiquitous 'classical' medallion design in Persian carpets, revealing an artistic revolution comparable to that which occurred at the same time in Renaissance Italy Betweenanda design revolution in Persia swept away ayearold tradition of carpet design, replacing abstract geometric patterns with complex floral scrolls dominated by a central medallion derived from the Chinese cloudcollar shape.
This revolution represents a major event in world art history, comparable to that which occurred at the same time in Renaissance Italy.
It was followed over the next four centuries by a second revolution, during which the principal design elements of the first permeated carpet production at every level throughout Persia and continue to dominate it to this day.
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