Dreweatts 1759
Lot 4
A MUGHAL CARPET NORTH INDIA, LATE 17TH CENTURY Approximately 362cm x 204cm In the late 16th and early 17th century, carpet weaving in India was heavily influenced by the Persian tradition, particularly that of the court of Shah Abbas (1588-1629), when perhaps the greatest of all Persian carpets were made. During the reign of Shah Jahan, the fifth Muslim emperor of the Mughal Empire, a distinctly Indian artistic style started to evolve, with a characteristic depiction of floral forms in a closely observed, naturalistic manner. Quite frequently, these floral sprays were enclosed in a lattice, or trellis design, such as in the Kime example here. For examples of closely related carpets, see the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum (inventory reference IS.244-1964) and The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha (see: https://mia.org.qa/en/). Both of these examples are thought to date from the mid-17th century. The current lot is a slightly simpler rendition, with less variation in the species of plant depicted, framed by a less intricate border. As a result it may be a slightly later example, an argument supported by Sotheby's dating of a very similar fragment sold in London on the 6th November 2018, which was dated to the late 17th century. This particular fragment is identical in its design and may even be a fragment from the same carpet as the current lot, which has a section removed. It sold, including Buyers' Premium, for £25,000, in spite of being small in size (134 x 75cm). For a comprehensive discussion of the group see: Walker, Daniel, Flowers Underfoot: Indian Carpets of the Mughal Era, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1997. Saleroom notice:Bidders are advised that some countries prohibit or restrict the import of Iranian-origin "works of conventional craftsmanship". For example, the USA prohibits the import of this type of property. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to familiarise themselves prior to bidding with the laws of the country they intend to import the lots. We will not be able to cancel your purchase if your lot may not be exported, imported or it is seized for any reason by a government authority. Condition Report: Reduced in length. Border cut and re-joined.Heavy wear to pile. Foundation visible throughout. Some flat-stitching to reinforce thinnest areas. Numerous repairs and patches. Patches probably taken from removed sections.Selvages (side cords) not original.Please see additional images for visual reference to condition Condition Report Disclaimer
