Ontwerp voor een tapijt c. 1854 - 1864

This is a carpet design of unknown date made by an anonymous artist. A riot of floral forms and bold colors, it evokes the rich textile traditions of Persia and India. But how might such a design end up in a Western collection? The history of the institutions of art and design may provide an answer. Throughout the 19th century, European museums and art schools collected examples of non-Western art and craft. This collecting was done in the name of design reform. Artisans, designers, and manufacturers were encouraged to learn from the perceived mastery of color and pattern in other cultures. What began as cultural appropriation often led to the exploitation of foreign resources and labor. The modern historian's role is to examine such legacies. By looking at museum archives, trade records, and design publications, we can trace the circulation of images and commodities, gaining a better understanding of the complex social forces behind this beautiful carpet design.