A GREATER AZERBAIJAN GALLERY CARPET

Private purchase, Germany, 1998

This charming carpet includes several references to the 16th and 17th century classical carpets from which its decoration has been synthesised. The central medallion with four birds clearly refers to elements of the Sanguszko carpets, for example the medallion of the Béhague Sanguszko carpet from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection inv.no. DEC0456/II, and animal combats appear in a multiplicity of Safavid Persian carpets as does the cartouche and cloudband border. It is conceivable there was an interim stage, perhaps via Khorasan: the form of the trees is similar to that seen in lot 269 in this sale and their red outlines are possibly also a feature carried over from Khorasan weavings, where it is typical characteristic (see catalogue note to lot 282).

Please note that 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