A Khorasan carpet fragment, East Persia

Overall Measurements: 198cm across the top, 190cm across the bottom, 406cm along the left side, 407cm along the right side. Carpet has extensive areas of wear, holes and losses, clearly visible in the catalogue photographs. Additional images of condition are available from the department. For further images please contact either harry.grenfell@sothebys.com or stephanie.douglas@sothebys.com. 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."

Single plane lattice designs have not survived in the same numbers as the more densely designed three plane lattice pattern examples and many examples are fragmentary. There is variation in the lattice design used, some being more geometric and others more naturalistic, and the stepped interpretation on the present large carpet fragment is unusual, as is the white ground. Designs are directional and borders are broad with inner and outer guards. Whilst many of the extant examples are attributed to Kirman (and a fuller discussion of these pieces whose designs are related to the lot offered here can be found in the Catalogue Note for this Lot on sothebys.com), the structure of the present example places it firmly within the group normally attributed to Khorasan. 

Christine Klose in her article, ‘Khorasan Shrub Carpets’, Hali, No.125, Nov-Dec 2002, pp.76-85, notes that one of the characteristics of the carpets attributed to Khorossan is their synthesis in their designs of motifs also found in carpets from other primary weaving centres, such as Kirman, Herat/Isphahan and India. A primary border of a meandering stem with alternate facing palmettes (found on the present carpet) is a design of late 17^th century classical Persian carpets of central and Eastern carpets, albeit usually on an indigo ground. Technically the use of cotton warps and wefts, and jufti knots, together with a colour palette of cool reds and salmon pinks, as in the present lot, is consistent with a Khorasan attribution. The saturated jewel-like colours known to be a Khorasan trade mark, are apparent in the border of the present carpet.

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.