L13220

/

Lot 292
  • 292

A Qashqa'i 'Millefleurs' Prayer Rug, Southwest Persia

Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • wool pile
  • Approximately 204 by 140cm; 6ft. 8in., 4ft. 7in.

Provenance

Purchased at Addington Palace, Addington, Surrey, when leased by the Royal School of Music

Condition

Dense even 3mm pile overall. Small horizontal split in the top section of the niche – through yellow ground and red floral motif (approximately 2cm. wide), which would be straightforward to repair. With original overcast red and yellow side cords, and original flat weave and knotted fringe along the top end, and fringe at lower end over locked with red and yellow (loose in corners). Small section of fringe in centre of lower end, lacking back to the overlocking. Overall in very good condition. Bright and vibrant colouring and wonderful mix of motifs. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA. Due to recent changes in the U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin can no longer be imported into the U.S. Please check with the sale administrator if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these or any other restrictions or if you need assistance with such enquiries.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The design of this group of Qashqai prayer rugs was clearly  influenced by the Mughal prayer rugs of the late 18thcentury, for example, that illustrated in Ettinghausen, Prayer Rugs, Textile Museum, Washington D.C., Washington, 1974, pg. 88, pl. XXVII, a Mughal Prayer rug, Persia or probably India, Kashmir Area, late 18thcentury; loaned by the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge Mass., on loan from the Joseph V. McMullan Estate (173 by 106.7cm). In both a profusion of tiny blossoms, leaves and stems burst from a small vase which sits upon a rising mound. Framing this floral display is a delicately scalloped arch, symbolic of a prayer niche or mihrab, supported by half cypress trees.

The original manor house at Addington was built in the 16th century, and by the 18th century it had been redesigned by Robert Mylne in the Palladian style, and gardens were landscaped by Lancelot `Capability’ Brown. In 1807 it was purchased by the ecclesiastical commissioners for the Archbishops of Canterbury, and used as a summer palace. The last Archbishop sold the property, purchased by Frederick English, a South African Diamond merchant and sold again on his death in 1909. The palace was used as a hospital in the 1stWorld War, and between the wars as a country club. The estate was bought in 1951 by the Croyden Corporation and leased to the Royal School of Music from 1953. In 2005 the Palace became a privately owned country club and conference centre, and prior to this sale  when the Royal School of Music moved out, some of the contents were sold, which included this rug, said to have been a gift to one of the Archbishops from a visiting dignitary from the Middle East.

See Opie, James, Tribal Rugs, Portland, 1992, Pl.6.2, p.93 for a comparable Qashqa'i 'Millefleurs' Prayer Rug with dark blue ground. The design of this group of Qashqa'i rugs is based on 18th century Mughal 'millefleurs' rugs, for example, see Ettinghausen, Prayer Rugs, Textile Museum, Washington D.C., Washington, 1974, pg. 88, pl. XXVII.

EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA.
Due to recent changes in the U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin can no longer be imported into the U.S.

Please check with the sale administrator if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these or any other restrictions or if you need assistance with such enquiries.