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Lot Essay
The coat-of-arms depicted on the left is that of the de Pfyffers von Altishofen quartering another.
Table carpets were generally only used in the wealthiest, usually aristocratic, households, such as that of the de Pfyffers von Altishofen, Schloss Altishofen, from whom this is most likely to come. They were a potent symbol of taste and status. When the table was in use, they would be covered. At other times, they would have pride of place as an object of admiration. They feature occasionally in inventories of the times as noteworthy items. Carpets for use under foot, were sometimes distinguished by the description 'foote carpets'.
The de Pfyffers von Altishofen were an important Swiss noble dynasty most noted for their long-running connections with the Papal Swiss Guard of Vatican City in which numerous generations of the de Pfyffer family, including eleven commanders, have served since its inception in 1506.
For a Swiss table carpet of similar date see Christie's London, 10-11 June 2010, lot 1039.
Table carpets were generally only used in the wealthiest, usually aristocratic, households, such as that of the de Pfyffers von Altishofen, Schloss Altishofen, from whom this is most likely to come. They were a potent symbol of taste and status. When the table was in use, they would be covered. At other times, they would have pride of place as an object of admiration. They feature occasionally in inventories of the times as noteworthy items. Carpets for use under foot, were sometimes distinguished by the description 'foote carpets'.
The de Pfyffers von Altishofen were an important Swiss noble dynasty most noted for their long-running connections with the Papal Swiss Guard of Vatican City in which numerous generations of the de Pfyffer family, including eleven commanders, have served since its inception in 1506.
For a Swiss table carpet of similar date see Christie's London, 10-11 June 2010, lot 1039.