NORTH WEST PERSIA, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

As with so many carpets produced in north west Persia in this period, the design of this rug derives originally from those of Kirman in the 17th century, exemplified by a carpet of ‘Vase’ technique published by Arthur Upham Pope (A Survey of Persian Art, Oxford, 1938, pl.1231). For a fuller discussion on ‘Vase’ carpets please see lots 100-102 in the present sale. A 17th century north west Persian carpet fragment, showing this design and very close to the Kirman original, was exhibited by the Textile Gallery (‘Antiques Fairs’, Hali, Issue 39, May-June 1988, p.98). An 18th century rug which shows a stylised form of the original Kirman border design sold in Sotheby’s New York, 16 December 1998, lot 156 and was later published by James D. Burns (Antique Rugs of Kurdistan, A Historical Legacy of Woven Art, London, 2002, pl.52, p.166). A further related 18th century example was exhibited at the ICOC, Milan 1999 (‘The Milan Grand Bazaar’, Hali, Issue 108, no.14, p.136) and later sold in these Rooms, Davide Halevim Magnificent Carpets and Tapestries, 14 February 2001, lot 102. The combination of the two different border designs in the present lot makes it more unusual than the aforementioned examples.