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Lot Essay
In 1986 a group of rugs was studied in the trade associations in Kyoto, Japan, which appeared to show a hitherto unknown type of Indian weaving. Subsequent to this a few more were discovered, but with two possible exceptions, all were still in Japan (Daniel Walker; Flowers Underfoot, New York, 1997, pp.136-146). The present rug comes from the same group, defined by the colouring, technique and design. Its design derives from Persian Safavid in and out palmette designs. The cotton foundation with 9-plied strands and blue wefts are also comparable to some of the other rugs of the group.
The carpet is cased in a wooden storage box with the inscription "Wanli Rug" and the colour and measurement on the face of the lid. There is a later 20th century inscription on the inside of the lid that reads, "It was one of ten rugs brought back by Kobayakawa Takakage after the Korean Invasion". Kobayakawa Takakage (1533-1597) was one of the generals in the Korean Invasion at the Battle of Bunroku (1592) which was the Wanli period in both Korea and China. The present carpet is not 16th century however and as with many stories that have travelled over time, it would appear that this particular story is an embellishment of the truth.
Another example from this group, of 17th century Mughal design, was sold in these Rooms, 14 October 1999, lot 147.
The carpet is cased in a wooden storage box with the inscription "Wanli Rug" and the colour and measurement on the face of the lid. There is a later 20th century inscription on the inside of the lid that reads, "It was one of ten rugs brought back by Kobayakawa Takakage after the Korean Invasion". Kobayakawa Takakage (1533-1597) was one of the generals in the Korean Invasion at the Battle of Bunroku (1592) which was the Wanli period in both Korea and China. The present carpet is not 16th century however and as with many stories that have travelled over time, it would appear that this particular story is an embellishment of the truth.
Another example from this group, of 17th century Mughal design, was sold in these Rooms, 14 October 1999, lot 147.