A Silk "Polonaise" Mughal Rug

Mughal India1, 17th Century. The buff field with an overall floral arabesque design within an abrashed sea green palmette and arabesque border, losses to silk pile, exposed warps, overcast sides. Approximately 6ft. ft in. by 4ft. 10 in. (2.11 m. by 1.47 M.)

Warp: Cotton Z4-6S, alternate warp strongly depressed, natural white

Weft: Cotton, 2Z (sometimes 3Z), then 2 strands of unplied silk (light to dark shades of red or beige), the silk alternating between 2 rows of 2Z cotton, 3 shoots

Pile: Silk, asymmetrical knot open to the left

Density: 12-15 horizontal, 11-15 vertical

Sides: Overcast, not original

Ends: Incomplete

Colors: Cantaloupe, fern, celadon, mushroom, malachite, cornflower, indigo, citrine, carnelian, lemon, salmon, seafoam green, mint, ice blue, charcoal.

Lot 51

Sotheby's fine Oriental and European Carpets

December 8, 1990, New York City

Est. $6,000-9,000

Did not sell.

Sd90n51

*Graphic Image Courtesy of Sotheby's

1. I differ substantially in my attribution from what Sotheby's expert wrote at the time of the sale. To be fair I have to note that while I may be right I am the only one who at this point thinks so. Please see the Auction Catalogue Notes for Lot 2. My reasoning for attributing this rug to India is covered in The Incidence Of High Ply Counts In Early Cotton Warps. Not to be redundant but if the rug has Z6S warps then it must be attributed to India or some point in time post 1850.

Note: To further a long term research project I am collecting data. When a piece such as this may be of interest to others I have decided to share my notes prior to culmination of the project. As such the attributions are my own and may be different that the catalogue attribution. Any additions, information, or corrections, would be appreciated.

For Further Reading:

Guide to Rugs & Books

La Miniature En Orient

Southwest Asia Time Line

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

Persian Rugs the O'Connell Guides