On 5 June 2013 Sotheby’s will offer Important Carpets from The Collection of William A. Clark in a dedicated auction in New York. This auction takes place on behalf of the Corcoran Gallery of Art to benefit future acquisitions.
The selection includes 25 rugs and carpets from the 16th and 17th centuries and among them The Clark ‘sickle-leaf’ Carpet and The Lafões Carpet. Other highlights of this auction include a Ottoman Cairene carpet, three ‘Polonaise’ carpets and a mid 17th century Isfahan carpet in pristine condition. The complete exhibition will open 1 June at Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries.
The Clark ‘sickle-leaf,’ vine scroll and palmette carpet, probably Kirman, Southeast Persia, 17th century. Size approximately 8ft. 9in. by 6ft. 5in. (2.67 by 1.96m.). Estimate $5,000,000 – 7,000,000Detail of The Clark ‘sickle-leaf’ CarpetDetail of The Clark ‘sickle-leaf’ Carpet
“This promises to be the most exciting auction of carpets in our lifetimes” said Mary Jo Otsea to Jozan Magazine and continued “It is a privilege and a highlight of my 30-year career to handle The Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet in particular, which is without question one of the most iconic and important carpets ever to appear at auction”.
The Lafões Carpet. An Isfahan carpet, Central Persia, 17th century. Size approximately 44ft. 3in. by 14ft. 2in. (13.49 by 4.32m.) Estimate $800,000-1,200,000An Isfahan carpet, Central Persia, 17th century. Size approximately 22ft. 3in. by 9ft. 5in. (6.78 by 2.87m.) Estimate $150,000-200,000An Ottoman Cairene round carpet, Egypt, Second Half 16th Century. Size approximately 7ft. 4in. by 8ft. (2.23 by 2.44m.) Estimate $80,000-120,000A Mughal silk rug, India, 17th century. Size approximately 7ft. 4in. by 5ft. 1in. (2.23 by 1.55m.) Estimate $40,000-60,000An Isfahan rug, Central Persia, 17th century. Size approximately 7ft. 1in. by 5ft. (2.16 by 1.52m.) Estimate $40,000-60,000A Silk “Polonaise” rug, Isfahan or Kashan, Central Persia, 17th century. Size approximately 6ft. 9in. by 4ft. 9in. (2.06 by 1.45m.) Estimate $25,000-35,000
Location and more information: Sotheby’s, 1334 York Avenue, New York