A Safavid velvet and metal-thread ground floral panel, East Persia

mounted within a later glazed rectangular frame

Colours are vibrant and crisp in reality and the gilt-metal ground more lively yellow. Textile panel measurements: 31.5cm. high, 36cm. wide; 1ft., 1ft. 2in. It is comprised of one panel. The original selvedge is present on the right side. There are minor fold wear abrasions to other edges. Gilt-metal ground is in very good condition. Small areas of discolouration in lower right corner (as visible in the photograph), approx. 5cm x 2cm. The velvet pile is in very good condition. A charming piece. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA. Due to recent 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."

For a comparable Persian fragment (approx. 22.5cm. by 34.7cm), dated first half 17^th century, in the same technique, with isolated velvet motifs including a flowering stem with perched bird and open flower-heads, on a small cloud burst motif base, with the same sprinkled small curled leaf motif, against a gold brocade ground, see Schümann, Carl-Wolfgang, Exhibition Catalogue, Textile Museum, Krefeld, 19^th June -28^th August 1988, Persiche Seiden des 16 – 19 Jahrhunderts aus dem besitz des deutschen Textilmuseums Krefeld  - `Persische Seiden – Und Blumen sing ich ungestört von ihrem shawl herunter', Krefeld, 1988, No.111, pg.70, and front and back cover.

For another comparable Safavid velvet with metal-thread ground, incorporating butterflies, Yazd, 17th century, see A. Upham-Pope, A Survey of Persian Arts, Vol XI – Textiles, plates 981-1106, Ashiya, 1964, pl. 1064 (from the Metropolitan Museum, New York).