Royal Round Tent Made for Muhammad Shah

1834–48

Maker Unknown

Textiles

Royal Round Tent Made for Muhammad Shah, 1834–48. Iran, Rasht, Qajar period (1779-1925). Interior: wool: plain weave, inlaid work; silk: embroidery, chain stitch; tape, leather Exterior: cotton, wool: plain weave; rope, iron ring ; overall: 360 x 400 x 400.1 cm (141 3/4 x 157 1/2 x 157 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2014.388

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Maker Unknown
Classification: Textile
Formatted Medium: Interior: wool: plain weave, inlaid work; silk: embroidery, chain stitch; tape, leather Exterior: cotton, wool: plain weave; rope, iron ring
Medium: interior, wool, plain, weave, inlaid, work, silk, embroidery, chain, stitch, tape, leather, exterior, cotton, rope, iron, ring
Dimensions: Overall: 360 x 400 x 400.1 cm (141 3/4 x 157 1/2 x 157 1/2 in.)
Inscribed: Inscription: Inscriptions: The central design unit of panel 2014.388.2 and 2014.388.4 has two embroidered inscriptions. 1. Upper inscription (center of the top blossom): "Muhammad shah sultan-e ghazi." Translation: Muhammad Shah, Warrior Sultan. Remark: This inscription indicates that the tent was made for Muhammad Shah, who reigned from 1834-1848. Inscription: 2. Lower inscription (on the base of the vase): "Kamtarin bandeh-ye dargah fath'ali." Translation: The lowliest slave of the court, Fath 'Ali. Remark: The "lowliest slave" refers to the master artisan of the tent who is identified in the traditional humble manner. It indicates that the artisan had worked in the workshop of Fath 'Ali Shah (r. 1797-1837), Muhammad Shah's father.
Departments: Textiles
Accession Number: 2014.388
Credit Line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Exhibitions: Muhammad Shah's Royal Persian Tent
Rights Statement: CC0