Mirco Cattai Gallery, in collaboration with the Rotary Club Cuorgnè and Canavese, has organized an exhibition “Noble Carpets – Testimonies of Oriental Textile Art Between the 16th and 19th Century” from 6 April – 4 May 2025 at Ducal Castle of Agliè, located ca. 26 km north of Turin.
The exhibition “Noble Carpets”
The exhibition “Noble Carpets” presents an exclusive selection of antique Oriental carpets woven between the 16th and 19th centuries, loaned from important private collections. The exhibition is curated by Luca Emilio Brancati and organized by Mirco Cattai.
The exhibition is organized into five categories:
- Late 19th century silk carpets from Tabriz. Highly sought after in the 19th century, following the Persian silk industry revival after the Qajar dynasty’s stabilization.
- Large carpets from Heriz and Bakshaiesh. These carpets from villages around Tabriz, Heriz, Bakshaish and Serapi became very popular in the Western world in the second half of the 19th century.
- Caucasian Kazak carpets. Mountainous areas, heavier and warmer weaves, mainly domestic village production.
- Caucasian carpets from Daghestan and Kuba. Flat terrain, lighter and thinner weaves, somewhat more organized production.
- Early 16th-17th century Anatolian carpets from Ushak (16th–17th century). This section features 16th–17th century Ushak carpets of high collectibility. Two Lotto carpets and one Tintoretto carpet are on display. Another notable type is the so-called “bird” carpet, possibly depicting stylized birds or leaves, as well as the “Transylvanian” carpets known for their presence in Romanian churches.
More examples of carpets on display:
The Ducal Castle of Agliè’s original building is thought to date back to the 12th century. The castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 as part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.
Location: Castello Ducale di Agliè, Piazza Castello, 2, 10011 Agliè, Torino, Italia
More information: Nobili Tappeti (pdf – in Italian language)
Links: Mirco Cattai Gallery, Milan