Rug and Textile Appreciation Morning: Reconstructing the Chehel Sotun Carpet

Margaret Squires traces and reconstructs the history of a massive carpet that was woven in the late 17th century for the Chehel Sotun palace in Isfahan, Iran. In the late 19th century, the carpet was cut up and sold as fragments, which are now distributed across at least eleven different collections across the world.

Squires’ research engages with digital methods to virtually reconstruct the complete carpet based on archival evidence, historical descriptions and physical examination of the fragments. The reconstruction has implications for our understanding of Safavid palaces and their furnishings in the 17th century, as well as artistic exchanges between Iran and the Deccan during this time. 

About Margaret Squires

Margaret (Maggie) Squires is an advanced Ph.D. candidate at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, where she is supervised by professors Sussan Babaie and Walter B. Denny. Her dissertation focuses on the relationship between carpet design and architecture during the Safavid period (1502-1722). Squires was previously curatorial assistant for art of the Islamic worlds at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. 

How to Participate

This program is a partnership with the New England Rug Society. Please register with them to receive links and information to join the program.

About Rug and Textile Appreciation Mornings

Collectors and experts discuss textile topics and display examples from their personal holdings. This series is named in honor of late Textile Museum trustee emeritus, Harold M. Keshishian. Browse upcoming programs