Composite Carpet
A unique 20th century Persian 'composite carpet' in the collection of Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad.
Persian carpet (1900/1950) Salar Jung Museum
Persian carpets are known for their intricate and symbolic designs, each rich with meaning and cultural significance.The thematic Persian carpet designs tell a unique story or reflecting a specific theme.
'Peri on a composite camel
This carpet depicts a 'peri' (angel) on a camel, guided by a horned demon. The camel and tree are composed of human and animal figures in the branches, making it a composite carpet perhaps representing the unity of all beings and depictng inclusiveness.
The Peri and the demon
The 'Peri' is on a camel composed of different creatures; its tail is a fish, feet are rabbits, its body has an elephant, a cat, a rabbit, a lion among others. She is being led by a horned demon who holds the harness which is a snake.
Persian carpet (1900/1950) Salar Jung Museum
The composite tree
The branches of this composite tree is made up of leaves in different colours and animal heads; birds, dog, elephant, monkey, horned animals inlcuding mythical ones. These desgns symbolise the interconnectedness of all things, and that we live in a unified universe.
Persian carpet (1900/1950) Salar Jung Museum
The ground
The ground depicts a desert landscape with a small water-body and some floral scrub vegetation growing in the space.
Persian carpet (1900/1950) Salar Jung Museum
Composite borders
The borders follow the same composite theme as the floor of the carpet. It is multi-layered with small floral scroll design and larger scroll design of animals as in the larger tree.
Persian carpets have had a lasting impact on global art and design. Their influence can be seen in the textile arts of neighbouring regions, including Turkey, India, and China.
Today, Persian carpets are considered a symbol of Iranian culture and craftsmanship and are still highly sought after for their beauty and historical significance.
Text and Curation: Soma Ghosh
Photography: M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance: Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special thanks to : Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis, IAS, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. G. Kusum, Curator, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References -
1. Ghosh, Soma (2021) -"Composite Artwork: Communicating Greater Reality? - India Art Review".(accessed 23.05.2025)
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_miniature_painting(accessed 23.05.2025)
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