Ardabil and Coronation Carpets in Los Angeles County Museum of Art

This afternoon, I went to Los Angeles County Museum of Art with my wife and my younger son Kash to see the famous Ardabil and Coronation carpets. Both rugs looked amazing. If they could speak, they would tell us many sad and happy stories they have witnessed through all these long years.

The Ardabil carpet was put on display on a big one-foot high orange-red table on the floor. It looked beautiful. There was not that much information published on the wall. We asked the tired and unmotivated guard to see if they had any flyer, brochure or exhibition catalog and he said they did not have any. This was also the case for the magnificent Coronation carpet which was on display in the adjacent hall.

Few visitors were in the halls. I expected to see more people. The coronation carpet is worn out more than the Ardabil carpet. It might have been more in use than the Ardabil. However, the Coronation carpet has less repair with less damage. There is a chance that like the Ardabil, this rug has also a mate. But no one has ever seen or mentioned such a theory and possibility.

I went to the museum's bookstore to see if they had pictures or books on Ardabil and coronation carpets to sell. They did not have any. I am planning to go to LACMA again tomorrow to see the carpets again. I love to take this opportunity to see these two wonderful rugs as many times as I can.

Thanks to Farhang Foundation, a non-profit organization in southern California which has partnered with Los Angeles County Museum of Art to promote this event and make it more possible for the visitors to see these two rugs.

Khosrow Sobhe
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.rugidea.com
310-770-9085

Los Angeles Is Getting Ready for Ardabil Carpet and Coronation Carpet

Los Angeles is getting ready for the Ardabil and Coronation carpets. Now a days, you can see the pole banners of Los Angeles County Museum of Art on all major streets of Los Angeles on "A Tale of Two Persian Carpets".

These beautiful and wonderful objects of art and masterpieces will be on display on November 14, 2009, next Saturday. Don't miss this one in years time opportunity.

Khosrow Sobhe
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.rugidea.com
310-770-9085

Imaginery Knots: Celebrating the Origins of Persian Carpets

Farhang Foundation, together with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art announced the premiere of Imaginary Knots; Celebrating the Cultural Origins of Persian Carpets, taking place at LACMA's Bing Theater on November 24, 2009 at 7 p.m. Imaginary Knots is an original artistic performance and collaboration, which is presented in support of LACMA's A Tale of Two Persian Carpets: The Ardabil and Coronation exhibition at LACMA, November 14 to January 18, 2010.

For more information on this wonderful musical ans cultural event, please visit the link below:

http://www.farhang.org/events/imaginary-knots-celebrating

Khosrow Sobhe
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.rugidea.com
310-770-9085

Ardabil & Coronation Carpets on Display Los Angeles County Museum of Art LACMA

Ardabil Carpets: An Overview of Exceptional Works of Art

Possibly two of the largest, and oldest inscribed and dated carpets in the world, Ardabil carpets are cherished pieces of art, history and elegance all wrapped up in one – better yet, two. With gorgeous design and intricate elements, Ardabil carpets have spawned numerous look-a-likes. According to various accounts, the Ardabil carpets came into existence in northwestern Iran in the 16th century. Former Iranian ruler of the Safavid dynasty, Shah Tahmasp wanted the carpets to be created for the shrine of his ancestor, Sheikh Safi in the town of Ardabil. Now, almost 500 years later, the fine details and awe-inspiring beauty of these carpets make them extraordinary treasures.

Impressive design

Measuring approximately 13' 5" x 23' 11" (Los Angeles) and 17' 6" x 34' 6" (London) and made up of silk foundation (warps and wefts) and wool pile, the Ardabil carpets are finely constructed with a variety of patterns and colors, such as red, blue and yellow. A gold medallion is at the center of the carpets, surrounded by smaller medallions located in the four corners of each rug. The medallion is very large, but not over powering. And although the sheer size of the carpets is mind boggling, it is the expertly weaved design running throughout each carpet that has everyone amazed. Since the carpets are so enormous, much care and attention to detail had to be involved when creating such masterpieces.

Distinctive details

Two lamps are expertly positioned above and below the center medallion. These lamp images give the appearance as if they were hanging from the medallion. And depending on where you stand, one of the lamps looks larger than the other. This rectangular-shaped carpet also contains an endless amount of additional scrollwork. This includes a variety of images of flowers or greenery, which also provide unmistakable appeal. These images dominate a large portion of the carpets and make up the deep blue background within the main area of each carpet.

Current location

Until the late 1800s, there were still two complete Ardabil carpets existing in the shrine of Sheikh Safi. Unfortunately, there was an earthquake and the carpets were damaged. As a result, one carpet was used to repair the other one, leaving one, full-scale Ardabil carpet and a smaller, border-less carpet. As of today, the bigger Ardabil carpet is currently housed at the V&A Museum in London. There, it lies flat in an enclosed glass case. The carpet is only lit periodically to prevent any color damage from lighting. The other carpet which is smaller in size is located in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This beautiful carpet will be on display from 10/14/2009 to 01/18/2010 in Los Angeles along with another piece of art called the Coronation Carpet..

Ardabil carpets have been through a myriad of difficulties over the centuries. What began as simply a royal commission, these carpets have become some of the most renowned carpets of their kind. And regardless of a complex history, natural disasters and near destruction of these attention-grabbing masterpieces, Ardabil carpets are truly in a class by themselves.