Isphahan Carpet, 17th century

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Antique Rugs/Persian Rugs: Isphahan Carpet, 17th century The source of this group of carpets has been the subject of much debate; they have been variously attributed to Mughal India, Herat, and referred to as Indo-Isphahan. Although Persian designs were copied in Mughal India before the development of an indigenous Mughal style, often making it difficult to distinguish between Mughal and Persian carpets of this type, it is possible to differentiate between the two groups.The lot here offered has the characteristic burgundy field color and deep blue border found in 17th century Isphahans, as well as a design similar to those of others in the group. The fluidity of the present lot is one indicator of its Isphahan origin. The field, with its floral tracery, bold palmettes and elegant cloudbands recalls another lot sold in these rooms (April 10, 1997, lot 114), while the border is similar to that of another Isphahan carpet, also sold in these rooms (Carpets from the J. Paul Getty Museum, December 8, 1990, lot 6). The lot here offered has a feeling of a relative spaciousness not captured in contemporaneous Mughal carpets, an effect that seems paradoxical, given the intricacy of its floral design.

A 17th century Isphahan Carpet,

Catalogue Notes:
The source of this group of carpets has been the subject of much debate; they have been variously attributed to Mughal India, Herat, and referred to as Indo-Isphahan. Although Persian designs were copied in Mughal India before the development of an indigenous Mughal style, often making it difficult to distinguish between Mughal and Persian carpets of this type, it is possible to differentiate between the two groups.The lot here offered has the characteristic burgundy field color and deep blue border found in 17th century Isphahans, as well as a design similar to those of others in the group. The fluidity of the present lot is one indicator of its Isphahan origin. The field, with its floral tracery, bold palmettes and elegant cloudbands recalls another lot sold in these rooms (April 10, 1997, lot 114), while the border is similar to that of another Isphahan carpet, also sold in these rooms (Carpets from the J. Paul Getty Museum, December 8, 1990, lot 6). The lot here offered has a feeling of a relative spaciousness not captured in contemporaneous Mughal carpets, an effect that seems paradoxical, given the intricacy of its floral design.

Lot 98 Sotheby's Fine Oriental and European Carpets, December 12, 1997, New York City, Est. $80,000-100,000

Central Persia 17th century losses to ends, stains, oxidized browns, Kashmir repiling, approximately II ft. I in. by 5 ft. 4 in. (3.38 by 1.63m.)
Warp: cotton, Z4S, ivory
Weft: cotton, Z, three shoots, light brown
Pile: wool, asymmetric knot open to the left
Density: 9-10 horizontal, 13-14 vertical
Sides: two cords of four warps wrapped in deep rose wool
Ends: incomplete, warp fringe
Colors: deep rose, rose, deep blue, light blue, forest green, blue-green, ochre, yellow, walnut, ivory

*Further reading.

Beattie, M. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection of Oriental Rugs, Switzerland, 1972 (pp. 39-73)
Dimand and Mailey, Oriental Rugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, 1973 (pp. 117-128)
Eiland, M., Chinese and Exotic Rugs, Boston, 1979 (pp. 128-176)
Spuhler, F. Islamic Carpets and Textiles, London, 1978 (pp. 80-130)
Spuhler, F. Oriental Carpets in the Museum of Islamic Art, Berlin, Washington D.C. 1987 (pp. 68-92, 104-111)

Graphic Image Courtesy of Sotheby's

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

Notes on the War on Terrorism

Southwest Asia Time Line

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.