An Agra Carpet, North India

with a madder ground and all-over palmette and arabesque design, within a sable coloured border with arabesques

Measurements: 377cm across the top, 379cm. across the bottom, 432cm. up the left side, 433cm. up the right side. Colours in reality are not as strident as the catalogue photograph and the appearance is crisper and more defined in reality. Lovely range of colours including subtle pastel shades of pink, blue and yellow, light green, off set by the wonderful cerise ground of the main field, and the bold and attractive border and narrow inner and outer bands. Generally even 3-4mm pile overall. In overall very good condition. There is even subtle abrash within the main field and sable brown border. There is an old vertical line repair, in the centre of the top half of the carpet, within the right inside edge of the horse-shoe motif underneath the pair of pink flowers. There is a small vertical slit (1.5cm) to the right of this area in the cerise ground (on visible on very close inspection). There is a small 2cm vertical split in the narrow outer border, in the top border, left of the second yellow palmette from the right corner, above the cerise leaf motif, which can easily be repaired, and is within the border and the side cord so protected from opening up. There are some small speckles of white foundation showing through in places, see top left corner. There are no fringes at the ends, all the sides have later overcasting. There are small sections of the side cord loose, at the top of the right side, and towards the centre of the right side, which need re-attaching, and the lower right corner has side cords detached. Flexible handle. Beautiful drawing and details, balanced design and sumptuous colouring overall. Detailed photographs are available from the department (stephanie.douglas@sothebys.com).
"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."