In Persian, Delroba means captivating, enchanting or heart-stealing; the name was chosen in reference to the butterfly-like form of the design, its harmonious colours, and the distinctive allure of wool and silk, each of which draws the eye and wins the viewer’s heart. In the Delroba Carpet, the symmetrical movement of arabesques across a blue ground evokes a butterfly-like figure with open wings. This reinterpretation of Safavid-school designs, together with its delicate blossoms and light border, creates a composition that is both graceful and well balanced.
| Dimensions | 185 × 135 cm |
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In the design of the Delroba Carpet, the scrolling arabesque motifs extend on either side of the central axis in such a way that a butterfly-like figure with open wings emerges against the blue ground. At first glance, this motif appears to be part of the carpet’s vegetal ornament, yet with closer attention to the symmetry of the branches, the butterfly form becomes more apparent. The design of this work is based on a reinterpretation of motifs from carpets of the Safavid school.
The blue ground shows the navy lines and the red and pink blossoms to fine effect. A cream-coloured border, filled with abundant vegetal motifs, completes the composition of the carpet.
Five other versions of this design have also been woven within the Bordbar Collection: one woollen Delroba in red, and four silk Delestan carpets in green, navy and red. Wool and silk each captivate the viewer in their own distinctive way, and it is this difference that led to the choice of two names that are close in meaning.
