A Kashan 'Mohtasham' carpet, central Persia, second half 19th century

VAT reduced rateUK: Greenford Park Warehouse

Auction Closed

April 24, 03:45 PM GMT

Estimate

7,000 - 10,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

335 by 245cm. approx.

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Acquired from Eberhart Herrmann, Germany, circa 1978

Thence by descent

Deutchen Kunstund Antiquitatenmesse, Munich, 1978

Eberhart Herrmann, Von Lotto bis Tekke, Seltene Orientteppiche Aus Vier Jahrhunderten, Munich, 1978, pp.45 and 49, no.44

The soft kurk wool, well-spaced drawing, and beautifully balanced colour palette display the hallmarks of the so-called Mohtasham weavings. Mohtasham carpets are generally attributed to the end of the nineteenth century (see Ian Bennett, ‘The Myth of Mohatasham’ in HALI, no.35, pp.44-49), although Herrmann posited an earlier, first half nineteenth century, date for the present example (Herrman 1978, p.44). The fine weave and light handle of the present example, along with its delicate drawing and palette, do, however, suggest that it was a relatively early production. The choice of colour is particularly harmonious, the two shades of blue off-setting each other such that neither is too dominant against the soft ivory field. An almost identical carpet was sold at Christie’s, London, 26 October 2017, lot 311.