Bigger is not always better, it is sometimes breathtaking. If you have never viewed what is perhaps the world's most magnificent and oldest carpet you must head to London's V&A Museum.
The Ardabil Carpet, named after the town in north-west Iran where it was made, measures roughly 10.5 metres by 5 metres. I believe that is 34 ft. by 16 ft. but do not hold me to that. Its size and beauty, together with its outstanding historical significance, makes it the most important carpet in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and one of the finest in the world.
The Museum created an extraordinary case in the center of a gallery so that the carpet could be viewed as intended, on the floor. To preserve its colors, it is lit for ten minutes on the hour and half-hour.
These photographs and my words can never do this work of art justice. Should you find yourself lucky enough to be in London make a point of seeing it, you will not be disappointed.
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| Images courtesy of The Victoria and Albert Museum, London. |
