An Isphahan rug, Central Persia

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. 74 
"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. 16

Pile generally good, near original 1/6 inch overall with some oxidized medium browns low to knotheads and some minor spot foundation. Foundation dry and resulting in scattered holes throughout, the largest approximately 4 inches x 1/2 inch in one of the leaves. A few small slits, each approximately 1 inch in length. Minor slits into pile in areas surrounding holes. Scattered spot stains and surface dirt, some minor scattered repiling, mostly to reds, possibly old moth damage. Some discoloration to ground. Overtinted in the field to make darker, with areas in some outlines and blossoms still showing the original red color. Scattered spot stains and surface dirt. Sides with original selvages, mostly intact with some minor losses and later overcasting. Ends missing outer guard stripes, now with applied later silk fringes. Unusually high pile for a rug of this vintage. 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.
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The symmetrical placement of design elements, as well as the delineation of the palmettes and leaves in the field and border of this rug are very similar to a rug in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, see M. S. Dimand and Jean Mailey, Oriental Rugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,New York, 1973, fig. 100, p. 71, cat. no. 33.  Unlike most 17th century weavings, this rug retains near original, dense pile.

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.