The MITA – International Museum of Antique Carpets, Cultural Center of the Tassara Foundation in Brescia, is currently hosting the exhibition “Persia Felix – Carpets, Metals, and Miniatures from ancient cities”. This exhibition offers an immersion into the art and culture of the Persian Empire between 1500 and 1700, through a selection of about 40 artifacts that include carpets from the Zaleski Collection, as well as various objects such as miniatures and metals.
The exhibited carpets come from different historical cities of the Persian Empire, such as Isfahan, Heritz, Kirman, and Tabriz. Each of these locations contributes with a distinctive style, ranging from the floral gardens of Isfahan to the geometric patterns of Heritz. This variety not only demonstrates the craftsmanship of ancient Persian weavers but also reflects the diverse cultural and artistic influences within the empire.
Alongside the carpets, metal objects such as pitchers and oil lamps are presented, providing a glimpse into the daily household practices of the Safavid era. The exhibition is enriched by video projections based on the garden city designs taken from the volumes of Jean Chardin, thus providing a broader historical context.
The choice to exhibit such diverse artifacts aims not only to celebrate the artistic refinement of the Safavid Persia but also to promote mutual understanding between different cultures. Through concerts, conferences, and other activities related to the exhibition, MITA aims to serve as a cultural bridge between Italy and the Islamic countries of the Near and Middle East, as well as Central Asia.
Giovanni Valagussa, curator of the exhibition, along with the programming of MITA, aims to provide a better understanding of the ancient textile traditions preserved in the collection of the Tassara Foundation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance a heritage that includes over 1,300 masterpieces from around the world.
The “Persia Felix” exhibition represents not only a significant cultural event for textile art enthusiasts but also a valuable opportunity to delve into historical and cultural themes related to one of the most influential empires in human history.
Italian Version
