A 'Saber' Mashad carpet, Northeast Persia,

inscribed centre top, `Saber'

Dense 3-4mm even pile overall. Original flatweave ends and fringes at both ends. Very minor areas of old repiled moth damage at lower end in zig-azg outer surround. In overall very good condition. In mear mint loom fresh condition. Signed Saber within cartouche in top centre of outer border, with white script against cerise ground of cartouche. 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."

The design of the present carpet is after the design of the `Ardabil Carpet’, Persia, 1539-1540, (in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London) so called as from the mosque of Ardabil, the shrine of Shah Ismail, and Sheikh Sefi-ud-Din his ancestor (after whom the Safavid Dynasty was named). The Safavids, who ruled without a break until 1722, promoted the shrine of the Shaykh as a place of pilgrimage. In the late 1530’s, Isma'il's son, Shah Tahmasp, enlarged the shrine and had a pair of Aradabil carpets produced (both used in sections to become the one extant example in the V&A Museum, with the now smaller pair being in the Museum of Science, History and Art, in the Exposition Park, Los Angeles).

This cited London museum `Ardabil’ carpet bears the name of the weaver, Maqsud of Kashan, but it is considered to be attributed to several workshops, including Ardabil, Qazvin, Tabriz and Kashan. There are no animals depicted and there are mosque lamps and radiating polylobate medallions, reminiscent of Islamic architectural details, elements which are evidence of it having been for a religious setting. See Great Carpets of the World, Ed. Alcouffe, Daniel, Chp.IV, Sarah Day, The Carpets of Safavid Persia: Gardens of Earthly Delight, Paris, 1996, pp.109-161, Paris, No.97, pp.124-125.

`Saber’ is a recorded maker from the early 20<sup>th</sup> century who worked in Mashad, the capital of the Khorossan Province in Northeast Persia, having migrated from Tabriz. He undertook commissions for the palaces and wealthy patrons. The classic carpet designs of Mashad are very similar to those of Kashan in central Persia, which is evident in the present piece which is directly taken from the design of the `Ardabil’ carpet.

`Saber' signed carpets are still being produced by permission granted to the master weaver Ahmad Bazmi and they still uphold the Persian tradition of producing carpets of the finest quality.

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.