A unusually fine Saber Mashad carpet, Northeast Persia

Overall measurements: 317cm across the top, 321cm across the bottom, 425cm along left side, 420cm along right side Very dense even pile overall, approximately 3-4, mm in depth, extremely finely woven, lustrous kurk wool, flexible handle, original side and end finishes, hanging loops affixed to long edge on right hand side; a couple of small marks in the crimson flatweave on the right hand side. Otherwise in virtually new condition.
"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."

At the turn of the 20^th century there was a resurgence of grand, highly refined, carpet weaving in Mashad; Abbas-qoli Saber is one of the master weavers who pioneered the revival of workshops producing superior quality pieces. A former student of the great master Amoghli, Saber was renowned for his skill and completed commissions both for Eastern and Western officials. The carpets he produced have a richness of palette, using the finest of wools, and are inspired from great classical carpets of the past.  Roubeni purchased this particular carpet with the assistance of Gholam Ali Kirmanshahi, a highly respected carpet broker in the Bazaar in Tehran.  By repute, it had come from the collection of Fawzia Faud, Queen of Iran from 1939-45 as the first wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

This carpet has an unusually high knot density for a work of such proportions –in excess of 20,000,000 (20 million) - a mark of the extraordinary skill and diligence one can associate with works produced from the Saber workshop. For further information on the masterweavers in Mashad see Shaffer, D., ‘Amoghli’, Hali, Summer 2016, issue 188, p. 107.

For an introduction to The Abdi Roubeni Collection of pieces in this sale, see lot 116.

Other lots in the sale from the collection are: Lots 74, 116-125 & 145-156. 

Please note that there may be restrictions on the import of property of Iranian origin into some or all member countries of the Gulf Co-Operation Council.  Any buyers planning to import property of Iranian origin into any of these countries should satisfy themselves of the relevant import regime. Sotheby's will not assist buyers with the shipment of such items into countries of the Gulf Co-Operation Council.