A Lahore carpet, North India

Sotheby’s New York, 9 June 1990, lot 210

Overall measurements: 343cm across the top, 341cm across the bottom, 493cm the left hand side, 499cm the right hand side. Pile 3mm down to knotheads and foundation in localised areas notably two vertical strips, one toward the top of the field and another two thirds of the way down, a vertical strip to the upper right hand side of the field and a circular section to the upper right hand side of the lower left quadrant. These areas of wear are visible from the online photograph.There are two holes found in the left hand border, approximately one third down from the top, the upper one measuring approx. 3cm and the other 2.5cm, these would benefit from professional attention and are clearly visible as white marks. There are areas of discolouration, more noticeable to the reverse, found in the lower right corner and in the upper end of the right hand border. Sidecords with losses and cobbled repairs. Losses to trimmed fringing at upper and lower end. This is a striking and dramatic decorative carpet following a design beautifully reproducing a classical design.
"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."

This design is a reproduction of the very well known 16/17^th century 'Tree' carpet now in the Philadelphia Museum, forming part of the Joseph Lees Williams Memorial Collection, 1955, Museum of Philadelphia, Acc. No. 1955-65-25. Catalogued as Tabriz in 1990,  now attributed to Lahore. Another example from the same cartoon, this catalogued as Indo-Tabriz, sold Sotheby's London, 24 April 1996, lot 225.