An Agra gallery carpet, Northwest India

Pile generally good with colors near original closely sheared 1/8 inch; dark browns oxidized to knotheads with some minor repiling. Minor areas of vertical foldwear low to knotheads, spot foundation, and few small repaired slits at ends. One corner with repaired slits and old tinting to dark browns. Small horizontal slits along central axis of carpet where it had been folded indicating that the foundation is slightly brittle. This could also be due to the carpet being dirty and a thorough cleaning will certainly improve the flexibility of the foundation. Sides with original selvages with some fraying and losses--recommend securing. Ends with cloth tape sewn to reverse. Surface dust---will enhance with cleaning. Supple handle, lustrous wool, luminous color and good overall condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This finely worked carpet is one of the early and most sophisticated products of the workshops that were established in the jails of India in the 19th century.  Its faithful adaptation of a 17th century Isphahan cloudband and palmette design is so similar in coloring and composition to a carpet from the Collection of Mr and Mrs Reginald Toms that it is very likely from the same workshop and may even have been woven en suite, see Sotheby's London, The Toms Collection, 7 June 1995, lot 48.   A related example more recently sold at auction was lot 174, Property from the Collection of Mrs Charles Wrightsman, Sotheby's New York, 28 April 2010.