A TEHRAN WOOL AND PART SILK SOUF CARPET, CENTRAL PERSIA |

Overall measurements: 249cm across the top, 262cm across the bottom, 372cm the left hand side, 369cm the right hand side. Overall condition is very good. Carpet appears to have been hung most of its life. Pile approximately 3-4mm in depth. Very minor wear to the light blue in the third knot from the column on the left hand side (On edge of the mihrab arch). Carpet has hanging loops along the left hand edge and it looks as if these have slightly stretched that edge so it may benefit from being re-blocked when cleaned - carpet needs a professional surface clean. End finishes are complete and near original sidecords original. Three minute old moth trails approx. 15mm in length in lower third of outer crimson surround on right hand side. Otherwise overall in near mint condition. Some unusual motifs e.g. the dogs in the lower end of the field and the crown in the center of the arch. A very smart carpet. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE U.S.A Please note that there may be restrictions on importing certain types of property of Persian/Iranian origin into the United States. Clients should enquire with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding the proper importation of items subject to such restrictions. Due to recent changes in U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin may no longer be imported into the U.S. Please contact Sotheby's 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 a comparable rug design including the crown within the centre of the niche, and very similar border, see a Kashan silk and metal-thread souf rug, circa 1890 (198 by 135cm), Sotheby's, New York, 25 November 2008, lot 160. It is unusual to find a souf carpet on this scale, with this design and in this mix of materials. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE U.S.A
Please note that there may be restrictions on importing certain types of property of Persian/Iranian origin into the United States. Clients should enquire with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding the proper importation of items subject to such restrictions. Due to recent changes in U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin may no longer be imported into the U.S. Please contact Sotheby's 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.