Lahori Flower-and-Niche Design Carpet now in the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection

Also called the Aynard Carpet this is, by any measure, a truly magnificent work of art. The design is perhaps unique in its liveliness, one can almost hear the rustling of the energetically swaying leaves and flowers as the breeze whistles through the niche. The whole plant seems to be dancing in the wind. Woven with around 900 kpsi it is thoroughly miniaturist in concept.

We have been commissioned by an old patron to recreate this great carpet. Understandably he is so enthusiastic about the project that he intends spending time with us here in our studio during the development of the design. Our brief is to make a reproduction with only a single niche of the panel in the same high knot density, designing the missing or damaged portions so that they harmonise seemlessly with the style of the original. We will be providing borders to the sides and the missing guard at the lower end. Our main effort will be towards recapturing the essence of the carpet by restoring the distorted and mangled motifs, flower-heads, leaves and all design elements to their original beauty. Also the hues will be fresh and bright as were those of the original when it came off the loom in the early 17C.

We will use Lac Dye for the distinctive red ground. Other dyestuffs will include Madder roots, Natural Indigo, Tesu flowers, Walnut rinds, Isparak flowers, Pomegranate rind and Red sandal wood.

LATEST BESPOKE PROJECT

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Technical Data

Size: 4'. 1 " x 2'. 11 " (approx:)

Foundation: Silk

Pile: Pashmina

Knot Count: 900 kpsi approx

Weave: Triple wefted fabric with alternate warps fully doubled under

Origin: Lahore ca. 1630-40

the
darbari
design portfolio

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Cushion Covers
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This carpet appears to be a remnant of a multi-niche shamiana or qanat (royal tent) panel. A close examination suggests that the rest of the panel was cannibalized to reconstruct this piece. Either the reconstruction was undertaken not too carefully or the restorer, and this seems more likely, had only a few and not entirely suitable fragments to work with. The border on the sides is missing and the dark blue vertical guard is probably sewn on. There is no guard at the lower end of the carpet where the silk fringe is visibly a later addition.

For a closer look at the condition of the original click on the images below:

UPDATE

Work in progress.