A TABRIZ CARPET, NORTH PERSIA |

Made post 1947 in a workshop founded by Muhammad Reza Pahlavi to promote arts and craft. With inscription in cartouche in top border surmounted by a crown:

sazman-e shahanshahi hadamat-e ejtema’i 1326



‘Imperial Institute of Social Affairs 1326 (1947-8)’



kargah-e kanun-e kar va amuzesh



‘Workshop of the custom (?) of labour and education’

Overall measurements: 296cm across the top, 297cm across the bottom, 426cm the left hand side, 423cm the right hand side. Inscription is at the bottom border of the carpet. Overall in good condition, Pile generally even 3mm overall. Scattered areas of minor wear, an example can be seen toward the centre of the top border. some colour run around the two toned blue stems, but this is minor. There is a repair at the bottom right hand side of the border, in outer guard extending into main border, approx 20cm by 5cm. Ends with soumakh cotton trimmed fringing at both ends. With later sidecords.
"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."

The Imperial Institute of Social Affairs  was set up by Muhammad Reza Pahlavi in March-April 1947 to deal with the social affairs of the less fortunate. Their many aims included building hospitals, supporting the fight against various illnesses common at the time, building schools, and publishing school books. Also among their aims was the creation of workshops for the teaching and production of arts and crafts.  The date on this carpet refers to the establishment of the Institute; the carpet itself was probably made a few years later, in one of the workshops set up by the Institute.