Chessboard Carpet

The source of carpet comes from the book Islamic Carpets, Joseph V. McMullan, Near Eastern Art Research Center Inc., New York 1965 nr.28. The field of the so-called "Chessboard" Carpet ( so-called Checkerboard Rug ) is usually applied on a vermillion ground and divided into rectangular compartments, each containing an eight-pointed star composed of an endless knot of interlaced bands. The stars are encircled by small abstract radiating trefoil ornaments resembling fleur-de-lys, cypresses, and rosettes. On the large border that frames the central compartments of this design, poly-lobed lozengelike medallions alternate with cartouches. In addition to the carpets of the early Mamluk period with a highly complex pattern (ART0035) a much simpler group appears in Egypt at the end of the 16th century. The design of these carpets differs greatly from those of the earlier type. In this carpet, the field is divided into fifteen oblongs which in turn are filled with octagons in the center of each of which appears a slightly oval star medallion, surrounded by floral sprays and small rosettes. The other similar example is exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET Museum). Vivid colors are chosen by our designers for this carpet.

Color summary: 8 colors in total, most used 4 colors are;

• Imperial Red  415 (Madder Root)
• Bistre Brown  411 (Pomegranate - Madder Root)
• Pine Tree  420 (Henna - Indigo)
• Natural Wool Color  320 (Natural Sheep's Color)