A 'Tudesh' Nain carpet, Central Persia

with silk highlights

Overall measurements: 209cm across the top, 206cm across the bottom, 303cm along left side, 303cm along right side Dense even 2mm pile overall, with some silk highlights within motifs in main field. Original flatweave ends with fringing and running stitch to both ends with some losses to fringing and repair centre of lower edge. Both sides with original side cords. Overall very good condition. 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."

Commissioned by the present owner’s grandfather in the 1930’s, this piece would therefore be one of the earliest carpets produced in Tudesh, a village located between Nain and Esfahan and famed for its very finely woven rugs in these styles in the mid 20^th century. Nain became a carpet producing centre in the 1930’s after the decline of its cloth weaving industry, and was renowned for its fine quality carpets of very soft wool, often with silk highlights.  The larger carpets of Nain and Tudesh were particularly prized in Iran and Iraq when they were woven, with smaller pieces being woven for export, particularly for the USA. The inclusion of the almost scarlet border and further red in the field in the present lot is a most unusual, and charming, trait in any work created in the Nain area.

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.