A silk & metal-thread summer floorspread, probably India

Colours and contrast more marked in reality and design more obvious than appears in the catalogue image. Overall golden and blue appearance with highlights of salmon and yellow in the spandrels and within central motifs and mainly blue within centres of flowers in main field. Fabric has multiple small splits and several quite large patches and multiple smaller textiles patches on the reverse to stabilise which have applied to the reverse, mainly lightly glued. There is a horizontal fold line down the centre, as visible in the photograph in the catalogue. There are some small vertical splits and areas of weakness across this line, with loss of some threads. Some wear to the dark colour in areas, especially at one end. The panel is not backed or lined. Coloured floating wefts visible on the reverse. Interesting design with finely detailed floral composition. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA. Due to recent changes in the U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin can no longer be imported into the U.S. Please check with the sale administrator if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these or any other restrictions or if you need assistance with such enquiries.
"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 two comparable Mughal inspired style carpets, 18^th/19^th century, which have similar motif elements to the present carpet see John Irwin & Margaret Hall, Indian Embroideries, Vol. II. Historic Textiles of India at the Calico Museum, Ahmedabad, 1973, pp.12-13, pls. 6&7 respectively. Both have floral grounds, central cusped oval medallions and narrow chevron edges and floral borders; pl. 6, a carpet fragment from Northern India, with a wider floral border and pl.7, a carpet from Gujarat, with narrow scrolling trail border. See lot 670 for an embroidered coverlet, with corner spandrels, and further literature regarding Indian textiles.

EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA.
Due to recent changes in the U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin can no longer be imported into the U.S.

Please check with the sale administrator if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these or any other restrictions or if you need assistance with such enquiries.