A Safavid velvet and metal-thread fragment, Yazd, Central Persia

the ground of gilt metal threads (distressed)

Overall measurements: Splits and damaged areas. Gilt metal threads to ground lacking and generally in distressed condition. Mounted onto a flexible thin board. 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 a comparable fragment in the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, described as Velvet with metal-thread ground, Yazd, 17^th century (47.6cm), with exactly the same pattern,  only a different section of it and including three rows of flowering stems rather than the two depicted in the present fragment, three rows of butterflies, see Pope-Upham, Arthur, A Survey of Persian Art from Prehistoric Times to the Present, New York, 1981, Vol. XI, plates 981-1106, Textiles, pl.1064. A.

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.