A Tabriz part-cotton carpet, Northwest Persia

Pile ranges from 1/10th of an inch mostly in border to low to knotheads. Scattered moth damaged areas. Most in border, some now with overtinting. Scattered visible warp ties. Sides partially overcast. Ends complete with original flatwoven part silk finishes with some losses. Supple handle, very attractive early classical design. 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.

The design of the carpet offered here demonstrates the revival of interest in Safavid art that occured during the Qajar period (1794-1925) in Persia.  Here, a vinery lattice is punctuated by bold palmettes, flowering shrubs, and the occasional vase, in a rendition of a Safavid 'vase' carpet design.  Central Persian carpets with the 'vase' technique, woven during the height of the Safavid empire in the 17th century, often featured this pattern, with examples including the "Jeziorak" 'vase' carpet now in the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection, see Friedrich Spuhler, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection: Carpets and Textiles, London, 1998, pl. 27, pp. 116-119; the Lady Baillie 'vase' carpet, sold Christie's London, 14 October 2004, lot 100; and the 'vase' carpet in the Victoria and Albert Museum, see Arthur U. Pope, A Survey of Persian Art, pl. 1227.  The bold curling leaves in the carpet offered here appear on a smaller group of Safavid 'vase' technique carpets with the most notable examples being the carpets in the Corcoran Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. and the Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon, see respectively May H. Beattie, Carpets of Central Persia, Westerham, 1976, pl. 6 and  Richard Ettinghausen, et al, Persian Art: Calouste Gulbenkian Collection, Lisbon, 1985, pl. 30.  Here, the classic design elements are rendered in a more subdued color palette to complement Qajar and Western interiors.