A Ziegler Mahal carpet, West Persia

Purchased Sotheby's, London, Arts of the Islamic World, 8th October 2008, lot 363

The pile is generally 5mm. Areas where down to knot-bars and foundation. Down to foundation is areas where brown has oxidised. Down to knot bars in areas due to wear, in main field and border, along lower end especially, for example to the palmette motifs in the border. There are several small splits, three in the top left corner of border (from left to right - approx. 6cm, 4cm and 3cm respectively), and there is another split opening further down the left side border, in the top half, approx. 7cm. long. There is a split in the top right corner of the border (approx. 12cm. long). This needs attention. (See top right far corner of photograph on-line and in catalogue). There is a small hole in the blue ground of one corner (lower left in image on-line and in catalogue). Cotton fringes overlocked at both ends.There are two large shaped areas of repiling, in a shaped vertical section, approx 152cm. long, and smaller section approx. 20cm. long below it, in the top right quadrant, and another `L' shaped area of repiling, centre of the lower border (approx. 28cm. by 26cm, longest sides), and surrounded by areas of lower pile. Lovely drawing and appealing colours overall. Versatile size. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA. Due to changes in the U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin can no longer be imported into the U.S. Please check with the sale administrator 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."

Ziegler & Co, was an Anglo-Swiss carpet manufactory which was set up in 1883 in Manchester. This Mahal carpet is a modifed classical Persian Sultanabad design, with colouration that was softened to appeal to the Western market and the sizes could also be adapted accordingly. The blue/green fields and madder borders were colours that were also taken up by Morris & Co, for the Arts and Crafts Movement carpets which were produced in England at the end of the 19th/early 20th century, having been inspired by Persian, Indian and Chinese designs. For comparable Mahal carpets of similar colouration and design to the present carpet, see Sotheby's, London, Islamic Works of Art, Carpets and Textiles, 11th October 1989, lot 595, and Sotheby's, New York, 25th November 2008, lot 367.

EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA.

Due to changes in the U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin can no longer be imported into the U.S. Please check with the sale administrator 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.