A Cuenca carpet, Spain,

inscribed at upper and lower guards with the phrase 'Ordene Santiago'

Inscribed at both ends "ORDENE SANTIAGO" Colour is much warmer and lighter than in catalogue illustration with more distinct yellows, blues and greens. Several generations of old restorations including reweaves and repiling scattered overall, some faded as visible in the illustration. Size appears to be original and unaltered. Sewn to a linen backing with a felt underlay also attached. Restored and in respectable condition for its age.
"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."

A closely related example with this 'pomegranate' pattern is in the holdings of the Museo Diocesano, Cuenca, see Great Carpets of the World, Paris & New York, 1996 p.331, pl.332.  Based on the reproduction, this cited example maintains the original colouring of these carpets, with a light copper red as the primary colour of the motifs.  In the present example, as is common to many of the extant 17th century examples of Spanish weaving, the red has faded to a light golden salmon.

The inscription ' Ordene Santiago' indicates this carpet was either commissioned by or more likely an endowment to the Order of Santiago, one of the four Military Orders of Spain. More formally called the Order of Saint James of Compostela, this chivalric order, of both military and hospitaller nature, was founded in the 12th century; from the mid 13th century onwards their headquarters was their castle at Uclés, in the Province of Cuenca, although their possessions included endowments as far afield as Hungary, France, Italy and Palestine.