A Bakshaish rug, Northwest Persia

Eberhart Herrmann, Asiatische Teppich-und Textilkunst, Munich, 1992, Vol. 4, Cat. No. 56, pp.124-125, illustrated front cover

Measurements 175cm wide across the top, 178cm. across the bottom, 223cm long left side, 224cm long right side. Pile generally fair, around 2mm in depth. Blacks especially in borders are heavily corroded and down to foundation in areas (particularly at each end). There are a couple of small repaired holes, now showing as a slightly apricot colour, in the fourth goat from the right on bottom rank, and next to small white kid on the left hand side of hill. Patch at top left corner approximately 12 by 5cm. Linen strip backing stitched at both ends. Couple of small splits (in area 8cm by 2cm), in border top left which will need stabilising. Specialist Comment: An iconic rug. Has been in private hands since published by Eberhardt Hermann. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA. Due to recent changes in the U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin can no longer be imported into the U.S. Please check with the sale administrator if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these or any other restrictions or if you need assistance with such enquiries.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For another similar design of Bakshaish rug, circa 1800 (226 by 140cm), albeit with a variation in colour scheme of red mountains, indigo ground behind the trees at the top and bottom, and in a repeat pattern motif border with red ground, see Herrmann, Eberhart Asiatische Teppich-und Textilkunst, Munich, 1991, Vol. 3, No.29, pp.66-67.

For a comparable Bakshaish Garden of Paradise carpet, Northwest Persia, 18^th century (213 by 165cm), from the James D. Burns Collection, Seattle, included in an article discussing the venerated symbolism of the tree and the Iranian attribute of immortality to the pyramidal cypress, see Day, Susan, The Tree of Life – Textiles and Carpets in the Context of Nature Worship, Hali, Vol. 170, 2011, pp.86-95.