An Isphahan Carpet, Central Persia

reduced in length

Collection of Sir Frederick Leighton (1830-1896), London

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. 13

Carpet reduced in length through center. Pile low to knotheads and foundation overall with repiling scattered throughout. Ground of border completely repiled in green (visible on reverse) which has faded to beige on the surface. A 6 inch reweave across center of carpet. A 2 feet by 10 inch. reweave in lower end of field. Small scattered reweaves. Reweaves now faded as visible in catalogue illustration. Missing outer guard stripes. Partially rewoven end guard border. Overcast sides. Very flexible handle, good large scale design. Sound fabric and 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.

Sir Frederick Leighton was one of the most prominent British artists of the Victorian era and became President of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1878.   From his first trip to Northern Africa in 1857, Leighton became enamored with Islamic culture and arts.  He worked closely with his friend and architect George Aitchison (1825-1910) for 30 years on his grand home in Holland Park.  In 1877 they constructed the Arab Hall in this house to showcase Leighton's collection of ceramics and textiles.  This carpet appears to be one of two that William A. Clark acquired from the collection of Sir Frederick Leighton, most likely at the sale of the Leighton estate at Christie's London July 8-16, 1896. The other Isphahan carpet Clark acquired from Leighton was sold Christie's New York, November 24, 2009, lot 130.

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.