An Isphahan carpet, Central Persia

size adjusted

Heim-Turcat Collection, Paris
Christie's, Oriental and European Rugs and Carpets, 8 October 2009, lot 99

Prestige du Tapis Persan, Fondation Rothschild, 1960

Measurements approximately 252cm wide across the top, 251cm. across the bottom, 526cm long left side, 520cm long right side. Size adjusted. Lower end with rewoven border section 19cm deep. Upper end cut at edge of border and narrow reweave across width of carpet. Pile overall low, areas of wear to the foundation, areas of repiling. Browns generally repiled, some areas of cobbled repair in areas of severe wear. Inspection advised. Specialist Comment: A little ghostly in appearance, but still has grandeur. 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 an example of an Isphahan ‘Spiral-vine’ carpet, 17^th century, with comparable field design, see Sotheby’s, New York, 5^th June 2013, lot 13 and Sotheby’s, London, 16^thOctober 1996, lot 125, Property from the Collection formed by the British Rail Pension Fund.

In addition for comprehensive discussion and examples showing the variations of design in this `Spiral- Vine’ group of 17^th century Isphahan carpets see Spuhler, Friedrich, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection: Carpets and Textiles, London, 1988, Classical Carpets of Persia, Nos.20-26, pp.100-115, for a comparable example with a related border, No.25, pp.112-113

For discussion of this group of carpets and other examples see Spühler, Friedrich, Oriental Carpets in the Museum of Islamic Art, Berlin, London & Boston, 1988, Persia, pp.68-87, Spiral-tendril (Vine Scroll) Carpets (Cat nos.79-83), pp.74, 81-82, and especially Cat. No.79, pg.81, fig 79, pg.221, for a Spiral-Tendril carpet, 17^th century (254 by 142cm) (Inv.No.75, 196, transferred to the Kunstgewerbemuseum in 1875).

The city of Isphahan, established as the capital by Shah Abbas I in 1598, was the epicentre of the arts which included carpet and textile manufacture, throughout the 17^th and 18^th century. The highest quality of Safavid weaving was attained during the reign of Shah Abbas I (r.1587-1629), and is an era referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of weaving.  

Safavid carpets of this period share distinctive features and they also show a directional design in common. The group can be divided into design formats which include compartment, medallion, garden, vase, multiple-niche prayer, ‘Polonaise’ and spiral vine. Three carpets offered in this sale are examples of the ‘spiral-vine’ group (the present lot, 221 and 235). They have a system of tendrils, arranged symmetrically on each side of the axis, incorporating large palmettes with shaped outlines across a field which is usually burgundy shade of red. The borders are dark green or blue and include vines of a variety of intricacy and exuberance of design. Many of the carpets of the ‘spiral-vine’ group share similarities in design of weavings from the 16^th through to the 18^th century. 

The export of the vine carpets was so profitable by the mid 17^th century, that Central Persian rugs were amongst the most sought-after luxury commodity in Europe. The Persian Isphahan, 16-17^th century carpets, were coveted and prestigious items when produced and held the same status when collected by the wealthy entrepreneurs of the late 19^th/early 20^th century.

For additional Isphahan carpets see lots 221 and 232.