A Donegal carpet, Killybegs, Ireland, early 20th century

With extraordinarily full pile, the exceptional condition of this carpet is accounted for by the unusual, almost fantastical, circumstances of its history as told by the present owner.  He relates that his father was an antique restorer, who some 40-odd years ago was commissioned to work on some damaged library panelling for a client. In the course of the restoration, he discovered a sealed room, in which the carpet had been stored, probably for at least 50 years.  The present owner's father purchased the carpet, thinking to use it at home, but it proved too big.  Passing it on to his son, it again turned out to be too large, so it has been stored ever since, until a recent clear-out prompted the present owner to contact Sotheby's.