A Tabriz silk pictorial rug, Northwest Persia

Overall measurements: 146cm across the top, 143cm across the bottom, 203cm along left side, 206cm along right side Overall in fair condition. Pile generally 2mm deep. Warp tension lines visible in field. Crack below reflection of dervish in centre of field, would benefit from professional attention. Re-overcast sidecords. Some losses to fringing, as visible from illustration. Overall flexible handle. Would benefit from a professional clean.
"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."

This silk is one of the more extraordinary due to the rare inclusion of perspective by use of the reflection in the mirror. Much like Édouard Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882) the imagery in the reflection is altered to suit the requirements of the weaver.

The viewer is faced with the back of the reclining dervish and the reflection of the parrot observing itself in the mirror, with it's twin above. The rug's composition is one of pairing, see the two hanging urns and baskets of flower's, further to the two parrots, whilst being offset by the figure and the arched glass. Clever draftmanship and a whimsical trait in any pictorial rug.

For an introduction to The Abdi Roubeni Collection of pieces in this sale, 116.

Other lots in the sale from the collection are: Lots 74, 116-126 & 145-156. 

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.