A 'BENLIAN' TABRIZ CARPET, NORTHWEST PERSIA |

Overall measurements: 215cm across the top, 217cm across the bottom, 281cm the left hand side, 289cm the right hand side. Pile 4-5mm in depth, very good condition overall. Original sidecords. Trimmed warp fringes at each end, blanket stitched to secure. Unusual size. Ready to use. 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.
"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."

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. Aharon and Ezepos Benlian were Armenian merchants, trading together as A & E Benlian Brothers until their partnership was dissolved in 1904. Originally from Caesarea in Cappadocia in the Ottoman Empire (today Kayseri, Turkey), they are believed to have established their London business in 1889. They specialised in the import of high quality oriental carpets from the Tabriz region of Iran. Ezepos's son Edward was born in Constantinople in about 1899/1900 (d.1972 London) and is recorded with his family on the London census of 1911, then aged 11. Ezepos is noted on the census as being a carpet merchant; however he was killed in a railway accident in 1914 and the young Edward took over the business.  Edward established weaving workshops in Tabriz and, similarly to Jacoby's PETAG workshops, produced high quality weavings inspired by the designs of the 16th and 17th century classical carpets of Persia, until the mid 20th century. Benlian production is distinguished by the inscribed star motif which appears in the corner of the field.