18TH CENTURY OR POSSIBLY EARLIER

Early Spanish carpets were heavily influenced by Islamic design traditions; over time, with the continual reclaiming of Spain by Christians, European Gothic and Renaissance patterns were incorporated into carpets, creating a distinct Spanish style. The present rug is a highly unusual and lovely example of Spanish weaving. The large pomegranate motif at the center of the field is based on earlier Spanish and Italian brocade and velvet textiles, but the field color of robin's-egg-blue is almost never seen in Spanish rugs. The delightful stags, peacocks and crowned lions add charm while the meandering vine border adds energy. For more information on Spanish carpets, see Sarah B. Sherrill's definitive Carpets and Rugs of Europe and America, New York, 1995.