Central Persia, probably Isphahan

Sotheby's New York, 16 November 2011, lot 371

Overall measurements; 108cm across the top, 110cm across the bottom, 130cm the left hand side, 127cm the right hand side. Mounted, mount 130 by 110cm. Cut and joined, join visible from photograph, running horizontally approx 1ft from top. Pile varying from 1-2mm down to knotheads and foundation. Browns are oxidised. There is a split repair centre of lower border, approximately 10cm. Some cobbled repairs and losses, one example of a repair can be seen in the blossom in the centre right section of the field, visible from the photograph. First hand inspection is advised, photographs can be requested from the department. A good range of clean fresh colour with a dynamic design.
"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 fragment is very similar to an Isphahan carpet, formerly in the Corcoran collection, sold Sotheby’s New York, 5 June 2013, lot 15. The colour palette, border and field design are close in comparison, as are the shapes and colours of the sickle leaves and palmettes. Most notably they both share a black vine trellis, after the ‘vase’ design, with black ‘arrowhead’ leaves.

We can attribute the present lot to the third of three chronological Safavid courtly design types through Jessica Hallett’s study in Carpets and Textiles in the Iranian World 1400 – 1700, Chpt VI, ‘From the Looms of Yazd and Isfahan - Persian Carpets and Textiles in Portugal’, pp. 90–123.