A Bakshaish pictorial rug, North Persia

James D. Burns, Visions of Nature, Iceland, 2010, pp. 58-59, pl. 12

Susan Day, "The Tree of Life: Textiles and Carpets in the context of Nature Worship," Hali, issue 170, p. 93, pl. 16

Pile ranges from near original 1/8 inch in lower two thirds of rug with upper third showing areas of wear and oxidation low to knotheads and some foundation. Rewoven vertical foldwear slits along ends; small reweaves scattered throughout upper half of rug, and a small reweave in lower right corner. Sides with remnants of original selvage, much later overcast, ends with losses to open blue outer surround, fraying in areas. Sides and ends now sewn to linen strips on reverse. Supple handle, 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 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.
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Burns, op.cit., describes this as a 'Garden of Paradise' carpet and it does depict a particularly appealing place in its stylized hills, trees and animals.  For a discussion on the venerated symbolism of the tree and Persian attribution of immortality to the cypress, see Day, op.cit.

Other similar Bakshaish rugs include Sotheby's London, 9 April 2014, lot 210, also published Eberhart Herrmann, Asiatische Teppich-und Textilkunst, vol. 4, Munich 1992, no. 56 and cover;  Sotheby's New York, 4 June 1988, lot 79, again in Eberhart Herrmann, Seltene Orientteppiche, X, Munich, 1988, pl. 53.