An Isphahan Carpet, Central Persia

Vitall Benguiat, New York

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. 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 generally good, near original closely shorn 1/8 inch with an unusual raspberry-to-camel abrash as visible in illustration. Dark browns oxidized to knotheads and foundation. An area of wear along the central axis in the raspberry area of field with repiling to ground and some oxidized brown areas; now faded slightly lighter. An approximately 5 by 3 inch reweave near center of carpet; now faded. Some scattered areas of foldwear showing foundation; most visible in border but not extensive overall. All sides missing outer guardstripes. Sides with later overcasting; now with losses and fraying; recommend securing. Lower end with partial end guard border and now with later selvage. Upper end with partial end guard border and with remnants of an old but not original cotton and metal-thread applied end finish: now fraying and missing in areas. Flexible handle, sound fabric. 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 abrash of the field from a deep rose red to a straw color at one end of this carpet is highly unusual among known Safavid weavings.  As the drawing of some of the motifs becomes more angular and the design more dense, it seems possible that production was interrupted for some time.  When work on the carpet resumed, different weavers and dyes were employed.  Perhaps a crimson dye that has since faded was used for the field, much like that found on Ming Chinese carpets where the original red dye is now a golden or buff color, for examples see Moshe Tabibnia et al., Intrecci Cinesi, Milan, 2011, pls. 1 - 7.

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.