This is one of the most subtle of all the carpets in the Bernheimer Collection. The structure of the design is held together by the light blue leafy trellis, but since this is relatively close to the ground colour, what stands out is the floral sprays. Here one can see clearly the style that became so fashionable under the early Qajars as evidenced in their paintings.
The design derives from seventeenth century 'vase' technique carpets such as the Lady Dudley carpet (Sotheby's, London, 11 October 1990, lot 706), but whereas there the lattice gives the whole field a sense of urgent counterpoint, here both the colours and proportions give an impression of being far more at rest. All the motifs have been reduced in size and the differences between the various floral sprays diminished, so that the first impression is one of an overall design. Only a close inspection shows that there are lilies, roses, carnations and pomegranites in the field, and reveals the subtlety of the small cloudband motifs in the border.

The drawing of the floral sprays is similar in feel but a simplified version of those in lot 72. Both carpets are superbly drawn and have a soft fleecy wool. Furthermore this has numerous instances of jufti knotting, reinforcing the probability of a Khorassani origin.