A SILK AND METAL-THREAD HERIZ RUG, NORTHWEST PERSIA |

signed 'the work of Rajab', inscribed with eight couplets from a ghazal of Sa’di Knot density: H/cm 10: V/cm 10-14

Christie's London, 15 April 2010, lot 76

Overall measurements: 167cm across the top, 163cm across the bottom, 205cm the left hand side, 209cm the right hand side. Knot density: H/cm 10: V/cm 10-14 (with lots of offset knotting) Close sheared 1mm pile overall. There is a split repair right hand side lower end approximately. 25cm long. A split repair left hand side lower end approximately 14cm long. Lower left and right hand corner tips rewoven, right hand side approximately 4 by 4cm, the left hand side 4 by 3cm also the upper right hand corner tip also rewoven, approximately 3 by 3cm. There is a circular reweave near the upper right hand corner approximately 3cm diameter. There is a rewoven section near right hand corner irregular triangular shape approximately 12cm at longest and 10cm at widest. Other very minor reweaves for example centre of lower end, approximately 2 by 2cm, and approximately halfway down right hand edge each approximately 3 by 3cm. Some restorations to the flat sidecords. Ends rather irregularly trimmed with vestiges of original ribbed flatwoven. Would benefit from judicious conservation to support ends for example. Flexibly handle, with areas of metal-thread being a bit stiff. Lovely handkerchief flexibility. Wonderful drawing and colour, extremely unusual proportions and size, very rare use of metal-thread and of wonderful quality.
"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."

When sold in 2010, for £133,250, Hali ‘Auction Price Guide’ stated that this is ‘One of the best Persian silk rugs to appear in the market in recent years… This rug is a tour de force’, Hali, Autumn 2010, issue 165, p. 124. The author continues to say that it was consigned by a well-known Iranian collecting family and had been in their possession for circa 50 years and the interpretation of the ghazal in the borders at the time was that they are a poetic eulogy to the owner; stating that he will only thrive when he looks favourably upon the rug, op. cit, p. 124. Silk and metal-thread Heriz rugs are very rare indeed and to find one with such a trait and one so fine is remarkable. As they are so rare it is unusual to have one appear on the market; thereby difficult to find a comparison, let alone an equal, however for an example of another light in tone silk and metal-thread rug see Sotheby’s, London, 12 October 1999, lot 38, sold for £56,500, this example with a 'vase' design and ivory field but lacking the distinctive drawing of the present lot. There is a further work, very similar to the 1999 example which interesting only sold a few days prior, see Sotheby’s New York, 8 October 1999, lot 158, sold for $74,000. Another example of a silk and metal-thread darker in palette but more in keeping with the overall design of the present, sold Christie’s, London, 13 April 2000, lot 150, £52,875. When sold in 2010 the cataloguer likened it to a silk Heriz with a similar palette and design dated AH 1231 (1815-16 AD), Christies London, 16 October 1997, lot 90.