OTTOMAN EGYPT, LATE 16TH CENTURY

Sources show that carpets continued to be woven in Cairo until the second half of the seventeenth century (Pinner, Robert: "Appendix [of textual references]", Oriental carpet and Textile Studies, II, Carpets of the Mediterranean Countries 1400-1600, London, 1986, p.294). The present Cairene rug seems stylistically to be half-way between the two other rugs of this group in the sale, lots 54 and 113. It has the elements of the classic design seen in the early carpets of the group, but in a weave that is considerably looser than that of lot 54, a rug that must represent one of the early highpoints of the style. A very similar rug to the present example is in the Textile Museum, Washington (Kühnel, Ernst and Bellinger, Louise: Cairene Rugs and Others Technically Related, 15th Century-17th Century, Washington D.C., 1958, no.R 1.81, p.49 and pl.XXVII). For a fuller discussion of the group please see the note to lot 54.