An Isphahan rug, Central Persia

Washington, D.C., Corcoran Gallery of Art, Carpets for the Great Shah, October 3 - November 16, 1948

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. 77
"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, pp. 6 and 16, illustrated pp. 4 and 5

Pile generally low to knotheads with areas of blue-green and light blue near original, closely shorn 1/10 inch. Dark browns all oxidized to knotheads and foundation. Some surface dirt and spot stains. Repaired small holes; not extensive. Partial side and end guard borders, now with later selvageson all four sides. Flexible handle, elegant drawing, good honest condition. 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.

The two large palmettes at either end of this rug are unusual for a rug of this small format.  From all of the Isphahan rugs and carpets in the Clark collection, one of these palmettes was selected for a detail illustration in the 1948 Corcoran Gallery of Art bulletin.   While similar in overall design scheme to lot 10 in this catalogue, the two foliate forms that flank the center of this rug are also not customary and may be unique to this rug. 

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.