THE ART OF LIVING

The Safavid Dynasty (1501–1722) has been lauded as one of the greatest dynasties of Persian history. Its most distinguished ruler was Shah Abbas, whose reign lasted from 1587–1629 and initiated an era of political stability, military reform, and cultural patronage. In 1597, Shah Abbas moved the capital to the Southern Iranian town of Isfahan, and it was in this city that the local architecture and art began to flourish. By facilitating new trade routes with Europe and opening new workshops to increase the production and export of silk, carpets and textiles, Shah Abbas fostered the development and expansion of the Persian carpet industry, bringing it to the iconic international status that endures today.

This November, Christie’s will offer the largest group of classical Isfahan carpets to be sold on the auction market in recent history. Fourteen of the carpets are from the W.A. Clark Collection from the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The group includes red-ground carpets, an unusual camel-ground example, and a rare ‘Polonaise’ rug. These intricate, beautiful and luxurious pieces present the pinnacle of Persian carpet weaving, with many examples featuring exceptional and unusual border designs. These woven wonders are treasured not only for their rich history and courtly origins, but also for the ease with which they translate into both modern and period interiors.

With their exceptional quality, rarity to the market, and distinguished provenance, this auction and its presale exhibition present a not-to-be-missed opportunity to view and acquire some of the finest examples of Persian carpet weaving.