Mughal India, Lahore

Overall measurements; 100cm across the top, 100cm across the bottom, 175cm the left hand side, 175cm the right hand side. Mounted on stretcher (177 by 100cm). Worn, pile varies from 1mm, largely in blues, down to knot bars and foundation, as visible from photograph. With areas of losses, one example found in the cow, upper central field, measuring 8 by 4cm, the other found to the right, measuring 10 by 6cm at widest. The top right hand corner has been joined. The fragment has been split and rejoined vertically to left of centre, visible from the photograph. There are some further splits running vertically to this joined section. The lower middle section to the right of the tiger cub, (measuring approximately 57 by 30cm), is pieced together (please request images). First hand inspection is advised, photographs can be requested from the department. Delightful drawing and classic, exuberant, use of colour typical of Lahore for this date. Including close toned pinks and reds. Fantastic scale of animals and large palmettes. A rare example, beautifully drawn.
"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 directly comparable complete Mughal ‘animal and palmette carpet’ (358 by 160cm), North India, probably Lahore, Jahangir period (1605-1627), see Sotheby’s, New York, Carpets from the Estate of Vojtech Blau, 14 December 2006, lot 54. The field shows a very similar arrangement of small animals amongst larger palmettes and flowers, and distinctive use of white raceme motifs.  For comprehensive discussion of this group of carpets and fragments, see Walker, Daniel, Flowers Underfoot: Indian Carpets of the Mughal Era, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1997, Chp. 4, The Carpets, Persian Style, pp.29-85, ‘Scrolling vine and animal pattern’, pp.45-57, fig. 41 (cat.no. 7a) for vertical fragments including a section of the lower border of the same design (Textile Museum, Washington Museum of Art, DC – Inv.R63.002), together with fig. 43 (cat.no. 7b) and fig. 44 (cat.no. 7c): Collection Howard Hodgkin, London, for illustrations of the fragments offered in this sale, lots 156 & 191.

See lot 180 for extended footnote.