An Isphahan carpet, Central Persia

Washington, D.C., Corcoran Gallery of Art, Carpets for the Great Shah, October 3 - November 16, 1948
Washington, D.C., Corcoran Gallery of Art, Masterpieces: European Arts from the Collection, August 25, 2007 - April 15, 2008

The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Illustrated Handbook of The W. A. Clark Collection, The Corcoran Gallery of Art. Washington, D.C.: W. F. Roberts Company, 1928, p. 73 
"Carpets for the Great Shah: The Near-Eastern Carpets from the W. A. Clark Collection," The Corcoran Gallery of Art Bulletin, Washington, D.C., Vol. 2, No. 1, October 1948, p. 18

Pile ranges from 1/8 inch to low to knotheads and spot foundation in oxidized dark browns and some reds. Pile generally best in borders, and some of the larger palmettes. Dark browns oxidized to knotheads and foundation. Areas of wear particularly through center. A 3x1/2 inch irregular sized reweave left of center, now faded. Smaller scattered reweaves, generally along edges. Scattered spot stains and surface dirt. Sides with original two-cord cotton selvages, now with later faded overcasting. Lower end with some small losses and fraying into outer guard stripe. Trimmed warp fringes at upper end. Minor losses to outer guard borders. Upper end with velcro strips sewn to reverse. Repiling in upper end guard border and guard stripe. Flexible handle, sound fabric. Good condition for age. Please note that a license may be required to export textiles, rugs and carpets of Iranian origin from the United States. Clients should enquire with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding export requirements. Please check with the Carpet department if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to this restriction or if you need assistance.
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.

As most red ground, spiral-vine carpets have a deep blue or blue-green border, the light blue border on this carpet is a striking and unusual feature.   This lighter color in the border has the effect of levening the tone of the colors overall, even though the deep rose field is that found on most Isphahan carpets.  Here also, the two ivory cloudbands that punctuate the pair of bold palmettes at the center are not quite symmetrical.  While a small detail, it is an element such as this that lends vitality to the otherwise carefully balanced design.

Please note that a license may be required to export textiles, rugs and carpets of Iranian origin from the United States. Clients should enquire with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding export requirements. Please check with the Carpet department if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to this restriction or if you need assistance.