10 Woven Works of Art from London Rugs and Carpets Sale

A Saber Mashad carpet, Northeast Persia, second quarter 20th century, with signature inscription 'Saber'. Estimate £150,000–250,000.

Carpets such as these by the Mashad based master weaver Saber are rare to the market. Famed for their 17th century classically inspired designs and exceptionally high level of craftsmanship, the present example has a staggering total knot count in excess of 39,000,000.

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A 'Karapinar' rug fragment, Central Anatolia, Konya province, late 17th or 18th century. Estimate £40,000–60,000.

Karapinar rugs are fabled amongst collectors for their rarity, beauty, clarity and exuberance in colour. This particular example has been the subject of discussion for over thirty years and spearheads the renowned collection of celebrated architect and theorist Christopher Alexander, who inspired the beginnings of the website Wikipedia.

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An Eastern Anatolian runner fragment, possibly Nevşehir, 16th century or earlier. Estimate £28,000–40,000.

Also forming part of the Alexander collection in archaic beauty this fragment is near unparalleled. It could conceivably be dated as early as 13th century, as Alexander himself believed.

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An Oushak 'small medallion' rug, West Anatolia, 16th century.
Estimate £20,000–30,000.

A further example from the Christopher Alexander collection this design belongs to a select group of classical Turkish works highly sought after by collectors. The offered example is marked by the vibrant yellow within the design.

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A Kashgar silk and metal-thread rug, East Turkestan, 19th century possibly earlier. Estimate £20,000–30,000.

Illustrated by the renowned scholar Ulrich Schürmann as one of the more interesting and beautiful examples of its type. An exceptional work of art in wonderful condition .

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A Central Persian gallery carpet, probably Isphahan, second half 17th century. Estimate £30,000–50,000.

This carpet is the pair to the renowned ‘Braganza’ carpet formerly in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. Both carpets were by repute made for King Joao IV of Portugal’s coronation, however scholarly research would suggest they may have acquired King Alfonso V.

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A rare Kum Kapi silk and metal-thread brocaded rug, Northwest Anatolia, circa 1900. Estimate £80,000–120,000.

With a wonderful array of animals in the design and an exceptionally fine weave, the knot count in excess of 9,500,000, this is one of the more unique examples of the so called Kum Kapi works. Whilst one of the known weavers has not been attributed this is no doubt the work of a great master.

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An exceptionally fine Kashmir Durbar carpet, North India, circa 1890. Estimate £60,000–80,000.

This beautiful work originated from Rajasthan and is an impressive example. As indicated by the stitching to the underside it was used in a state dining room, no doubt in a palace or mansion.

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A rare silk Mashad rug, Northeast Persia, circa 1930.
Estimate £40,000–60,000.

To find such an intricate Mashad work exclusively in silk is extremely rare. This is a really fantastic addition to this sale.

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A Kashan 'Mohtasham' carpet, circa 1890.
Estimate £30,000–40,000.

The term ‘Mohtasham’ is used amongst carpet connoisseurs to describe works produced in Kashan, toward the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, of excellent quality and design. The present example made more unusual by the inclusion of exuberant flora, fauna and animals in the field design.

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