The Last Supper: A Rug Beyond Compare

Photo: The carpet measures an incredible 8 feet 1 inch by 9 feet 6 inches and creates a dramatic tapestry.

In the league of famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci this one off Persian carpet magnificently tributes da Vinci’s greatest work, Christ’s Last Supper honoring the most famous meal of all humanity. This carpet is one of the largest such works ever woven in Persia and is woven entirely of 2 day old lamb’s wool on a pure filamentary cocoon silk foundation. Filamentary cocoon silk is the finest available because it is not spun but rather is plied from single strands of silkworm fiber. The knot count for the entire carpet approaches 9 million individually hand tied knots.

Photo: Leonardo manages to make the moment come to life with his personifications of each of the twelve disciples, demonstrating their personal reactions to the announcement through inquisitive facial expressions and movement.

Depiction: The da Vinci Last Supper of 1495 in the dining hall of the famous Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The scene depicts the very moment Christ announces that among his disciples lies a traitor. Leonardo manages to make the moment come to life with his personifications of each of the twelve disciples, demonstrating their personal reactions to the announcement through inquisitive facial expressions and movement.

Photo: Jesus tending to the flock.

The weaver’s interpretation of the Last Supper renders all of da Vinci’s original intent and adds fine drapery, garnished columns, and a cityscape in the background with mountains and a lake all with an evening sky. The decision to employ fine knots brings wonderful minute detail including combed hair, groomed beards, linen folds on the table cloth and pleated robes. Further details emerge including flourishes, bouquets, cherubs, roses, vinery and assorted garlands.

Photo: Mother Mary with palm frond.

Surrounding the image of the Last Supper are eight exquisite panels highlighting moments in Christ’s life and the Mother Mary. Both ends finish in approximately 4 inches of perfectly knitted pure silk guards woven on top with piled panels of famous architectural elements of Persia. More than 20 dyes were used in the work.

Photo: Extremely fine weave approaching 800 individually hand-tied knots per square inch. The decision to employ fine knots brings wonderful minute detail including combed hair, groomed beards, linen folds on the table cloth and pleated robes.

Measures: 8’1” x 9’6”
Knot Count: App. 800 Individually Hand Tied Knots per Square Inch
Time of Weaving: 3 Master Weavers 2½ Years Together. 7 ½ years Total.
Age: App. 40 Years Old

For sale at Amir's Persian Imports at 15th and Lewis for a short time.