Christie's, Rugs and Carpets, 23. juni 2006

LOT: 200
RUG NAME: Isfahan carpet
AGE: 17th century
ESTIMATE: 50,000 - 80,000 USD
SOLD: 216,000 USD
DESCRIPTION: Description: CENTRAL PERSIA, 17TH CENTURY Lot Title AN ISFAHAN CARPET Estimate 50,000 - 80,000 U.S. dollars Pre-lot Text Property from the Flint Institute of Arts Sold to Benefit the Acquisitions Fund Lot Description AN ISFAHAN CARPET Central Persia, 17th Century Approximately 24 ft. 2 in. x 9 ft. 6 in. (736 x 290 cm.) Provenance Mrs. Marie Tabbagh, Paris, April 1947 With French and Co., New York, until sold in 1958 to Mrs. Bray and later bequeathed in 1961 Lot Notes The present lot is a distinctive example of a classic Isfahan "in and out palmette" design, the most familiar group of 17th century Persian carpets that have survived to the present day. Evidence from European inventories and depictions in paintings indicates that they were first woven in the late 16th century, becoming very prevalent in the course of the 17th century when they were extremely popular with the nobility and upper class in Europe. There are many variants of the design and differences in the structure throughout this group. Our example is noted by the delicacy and intricacy of the swirling vines, intensity and variety of dyes used, together with excellent soft wool. The guard borders are unusual with the triad of small blossoms on the same vine of a single, larger palmette. This same guard border can be seen on an very similar example formerly in a Canadian collection sold at Christie's London, 17 October 1996, lot 404. The present lot is in exceptional condition for this type and is a magnificent testament to the extraordinary accomplishments of the Safavid court weavers

AUCTIONHOUSE: Christie's
AUCTION: Rugs and Carpets
LOCATION: New York
DATE: 23. juni 2006
WEB SITE: http://www.christies.com
PHOTO COURTESY: Christie's

ABOUT THIS AUCTION: Christies auction "Rugs and Carpets" 23 June 2006 in New York includes 225 lots. Among them a 17th century Isfahan carpet lot no. 200.