A Sarouk rug, North Persia

Overall measurements: 127cm across the top, 128cm across the bottom, 202cm along left side, 203cm along right side Overall in very good condition. Dense closely sheered even pile 1-2mm in depth. Original side and end finishes.. secured with blanket stitch. Horizontal band of abrash in the ivory and red between the medallion and pendant in upper end of rug (hard to see), with some very faint discolouration - possibly colour transfer, however not visually disturbing. Ready to use or display.
"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 Abdi Roubeni Collection

Abdi Roubeni, in the twilight years of his triumphant career in the oriental carpet world, has been persuaded by his family to take life a little easier. As a result, he has decided to offer at auction a further group of rugs and carpets, having held a very successful auction of part of his collection in London in 2010.  Sotheby’s is offering two dozen of his treasured rugs, including many which have not been seen previously (Lots 74, 116-126 & 145-156).  Born in Mashad in northeast Iran in 1932, Abdi Roubeni has been active in the carpet trade for almost 70 years.  As a very young man of thirteen, he left home for Tehran, where he initially sold ladies’ clothing – honing his legendary charm and business skills in the process – then in 1948, aged only 16, he left Iran for India to seek his fortune.  A family contact in the carpet business, Haji Aga Eliasoff, who numbered amongst his clients His Highness Bhupinder Singh, the fabulously wealthy Maharaja of Patiala, was able to provide introductions, but Roubeni had to begin at the bottom, selling door-to-door.  His boundless energy and enthusiasm saw his business grow and his client list expand to include both members of India’s aristocracy and the international community. Leaving India in 1957, he moved to Hamburg in 1958, establishing a small company in 50 sq. metres of warehouse space. Roubeni, with his brothers Albert, Parviz and Hekmat, developed the company over the following decades into one of the most significant suppliers of hand-knotted rugs and carpets to the European retail trade, ultimately occupying 10,000 sq. metres in the Borsteler Chaussee.  Meanwhile, when he found exceptional pieces, such as the extraordinarily fine Saber carpet, (Lot 126), or the part silk Teheran prayer rug in near mint condition (Lot 148) he carefully stored them away. In circa 1970, he obtained in London, a collection of superb pieces from the same Maharaja of Patiala who had been a client of Haji Aga Eliasoff, three of which (Lots 123, 151 & 153) are included here. Abdi hopes these pieces will provide as much pleasure to their new owners as they have to him over so many years.

Please note that there may be restrictions on the import of property of Iranian origin into some or all member countries of the Gulf Co-Operation Council.  Any buyers planning to import property of Iranian origin into any of these countries should satisfy themselves of the relevant import regime. Sotheby's will not assist buyers with the shipment of such items into countries of the Gulf Co-Operation Council.