A Safavid masterpiece at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

One of the most famous Safavid carpets recently featured in an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Known as the Boston Hunting Carpet, it is dated circa 1530 and features finely detailed hunting and feasting scenes set in a garden. The size of the carpet, the use of the silk throughout and the exquisite workmanship suggest that it was made for Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–1576).

The wall texts of the exhibition read, ‘This carpet expresses the Safavid ruler’s domination over nature. It features hunting and scenes of a feast set in a garden, which reflect the imperial court’s pastimes. The scene also shows the enduring resonances of ancient paradisical gardens through centuries of Persianvisual culture.’

At the carpet’s border, elegantly dressed courtiers eat, drink and converse in small groups. These refined figures observe scenes of domination in the centre field, including a combat between dragons and phoenixes in the central medallion and hunters attacking a deer, antelope, lions and rabbits.

'Framing Nature: Gardens and Imagination' was held from 15 March–28 June 2026.