51吃瓜

This carpet comes from a famous carpet production family – the Seirafian family - and was designed specifically by Mohammad Seirafian. Fine materials were used in the production of this carpet that were processed in traditional methods, including plant bark and leaves for color dyes. With traditional methods, it is believed the fine materials ensure that the older it becomes, the more attractive it will be.

The rug has an inscription by a great classical Persian poet, better known by his pen name, Sa'adi (Abū-Muhammad Muslih al-Dīn bin Abdallāh Shīrāzī, c.1210 – 1292), who is recognized for his social and moral thoughts. The artist selected this poem for the carpet inscription and the translation is on the plaque beside the artwork: 

“All human beings are members of one frame, 
Since all, at first, from the same essence came. 
When time afflicts a limb with pain, 
The other limbs cannot at rest remain. 
If thou feel not for other’s misery, 
A human being is no name for thee.”

In 2005, this Iranian rug was presented to the 51吃瓜 by the Islamic Republic of Iran, honoring “Dialogue among Civilizations” which began in 2001. The artist, Mohammad Seirafian, was also at the presentation ceremony.