Fragments with Griffins in Roundels Iran or Iraq, in the style of the Seljuq period (1037–1194)

Fragments with Griffins in Roundels

before 1966

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Iran or Iraq, in the style of the Seljuq period

(1037–1194)

Silk: lampas weave

Overall: 34.2 x 17 cm (13 7/16 x 6 11/16 in.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Werner Abegg 1966.136.b

Location: not on view

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Description

This fragment consists of two almost complete roundels and fragments of others. In the roundels are a pair of confronted, winged griffins either side of a "palm" tree. Heavy baroque floral motifs fill the spaces between the main motifs and the roundel frame. The palm grows out of a curious foliate device at the bottom. The roundel frame has pearl borders between which are little circles about 2 cm. in diameter with a series of elegant tiny motifs beginning with a star at the four cardinal points and repeated, left and right, from top to bottom, are a lion, reclining winged ibex, reclining horned animal (possibly a bull), then center star on side, then winged griffin or goat (?), peacock, and lion regardant. In the interspaces are large circular motifs filled with stylized floral motifs and pendant floral motifs growing out in the four angles.