An Agra Carpet, India

Colours lighter and more attractive in reality, more sutble and not as dark as in the catalogue photograph. Good dense pile overall, approx. 1/2cm. Some scattered marks (some yellow, some grey) centre left side of carpet. Original knotted fringes, original ends and side cords. Minute areas of minor wear to warp in one of blue/acquamarine medallions. Might benefit from a professional clean. Elegant design, with generous border. Extremely good condition for age. Wonderful colouring in reality, the elements are light and crisp in appearance overall, and in composition.
"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."

The cartoon for this Agra carpet is adapted from a Safavid 'Compartment' carpet of the first half of the 16th century. Possible models include the carpet in  the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Frederick C. Hewitt Fund, 1910 (10.61.3), or another in the Musée Historique des Tissus, Lyon, France. Other variants of the design exist, including a carpet in the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, and its pendant in the Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst, in Vienna.

The 'compartment' pattern  with an overall geometric star design, and surrounded by a border with distinctive alternating cartouches and octofoils relates to those designs used in Safavid book bindings and miniatures. In addition to the traditional Persian  elements and arabesques, the design incorporates motifs borrowed from the Chinese, including cloud bands and mythical creatures such as dragons and phoenix in combat, Ch’i-lins, and geese. The phoenix also has a tradition in Persian lore, in which it is known as the Simurgh.  

Whilst the design for this carpet has been borrowed from the classical carpets of Safavid Persia, the combination of colours is unmistakeably in the tradition of the grandest Agra carpets of the late 19th century.