A Portuguese needlework carpet, Arraiolos

Measurements: 516cm. across the top, 521cm. across the bottom, 822cm on left side and 829cm on right side. Slightly irregular shape. It is not presently lined. Has been in the past and has been removed. It now has some cotton gauze applied in sections overall (areas where repair threads are on the top of gauze). There are areas of repair. Some water marks and colour run, for example in quadrant of main field to area underneath a corner vase, and to area underneath the three running animals and flower. It is in good overall condition. This is a very large and particularly striking carpet. It is very colourful and highly decorative. It would work just as well on a large wall as on the floor.
"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."

Portuguese needlework carpets are named after the  town of Arraiolos, in the province of Alto-Alentejo, in southern-central Portugal, although they were made in other locations, including convents. There are no recorded examples before the 17th century. Of those known there is great variety to the designs. They include adaptions of Rococo ornament, figural and geometric, along with folk-art motifs. They imitated Turkish carpets, for example the 'Lotto' patterns and using the red and yellow colour combinations and were also influenced by the Indo-Persian knotted pile carpet designs imported from India (called 'India de Portugal' in Spanish inventories), which are evident in border designs, using cartouches and medallions, and scrolls and plamettes. Portuguese pieces have combinations of various motifs, hence the variety in the genre.

Arraiolos carpet production declined in the 19th century as decoration became more attenuated and sparse. The influence of the French Aubusson carpets eclipsed those of the Portuguese and Eastern designs of earlier. Revived in the early 20th century, the art of needlework carpets continues today in Portugal.

De Oliveira, F. Baptista, História e Téchnica dos Tapetes de Arraiolos, Lisbon, 1991.
Sherrill, Sarah B, Carpets and Rugs or Europe and America, Abbeville Press, 1996, Chp. 2., Spain and Portugal, pp.56-57.