Magic Carpet From Persia

Speaking of authenticity and exoticism, visitors to the Nash collection in the Ahmanson Building can treat themselves to the sight of one of the world’s greatest artifacts on the way downstairs. Called the “Aradibil Carpet,” it was 16th-Century Persia during a great flowering of the textile and book arts under the reign of Shah Tahmasp I.

LACMA has owned it for years, but it is rarely displayed, partly because of its huge 23-by-13-foot dimensions. Brought out for just two weeks (to Nov. 23) to celebrate a conference of carpet scholars in San Francisco, it is installed at the bottom of the central atrium. It looks particularly splendid viewed over the balustrades of the upper floors.

According to LACMA curator Thomas Lentz, the only comparable signed and dated work is a companion piece in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Interesting trivia about the treasure includes the facts that it has 35 million knots and probably took three years in the lives of 10 weavers. It was given to LACMA by J. Paul Getty in 1953. Before that, the billionaire oil baron walked on it in his London apartment.

For most of us a carpet is just a rug, but contemplating the subtle and kaleidoscopic design of this one proves again that the product of any craft can transcend itself.