A WEST PERSIAN OR AZERBAIJAN 'TRELLIS AND PALMETTE' GALLERY CARPET |

Pile is generally good overall, variable, with some areas still with 7-mm of pile but more generally the pile is approximately 2-3 mm, with some areas of oxidisation/wear to knot bars principally in the light tan-yellow and olive green areas and thin pile in the centre of the lower outer-most border. The banded multicoloured outer guard bands removed at both ends leaving the white floral outer guard stripe; ends need securing. Some evidence of old moth damage visible in the upper left and right hand corners of the border and in a couple of areas of the lower quarter of the left hand border, and some scatter repiling in the reds in teh border (possibly repaired old moth damage). The carpet has been overhauled in the past at some point and there is repiling scattered through the field in the oxidised areas, but this is only noticeable if you look hard for it! The carpet is is approximately 649 cm on the left hand side and 654 cm on the right. the width is approximately 245 cm at the lower edge splaying slightly to 257 cm at the upper end. The carpet would benefit from a thorough deep clean and the ends securing, but overall it is a very attractive piece, basically ready to use, with an unusual design and glorious colour.
"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 this carpet ultimately derives from the ‘Vase’ carpets of 16th & 17th century Persia, probably  through the lens of a Khorasan shrub carpet such as the example illustrated in Klose, Christine, Khorasan Shrub Carpets, Hali 125, p.125, Fig.4, a Khorasan ‘shrub-vase’ carpet, early 17th century. This link can be seen clearly in a close relative of the present lot, the ‘Bakhtiari carpet, Central Persia, 18th century’, in the James D Burns collection, illustrated Evans, Ben, The nature of a collector, Hali 169, p.95, Fig.9. The primary border of the James D Burns carpet and the lot offered here are remarkably similar; the sprays of flowers in the classical model have been simplified to a box with rosettes at each corner, and the intermittent palmettes are now rendered as trees on zig-zag bases. The field and border of the present lot show further simplification from the Burns rug, suggesting a date in the late 18th or early 19th century. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE U.S.A
Please note that there may be restrictions on importing certain types of property of Persian/Iranian origin into the United States. Clients should enquire with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding the proper importation of items subject to such restrictions. Due to recent changes in U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin may no longer be imported into the U.S. Please contact Sotheby's 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.