NORTH INDIA, MID-19TH CENTURY

The present carpet is typical of those produced within the midpoint of 19th century Agra production, distinguished by the bold scale of drawing in both the field and border, the fine weave and, in particular, the vibrant colouring. A highly unusual feature found on the present lot is the figural depiction within each border corner of a saddled horse with its foal, above a pair of confronted horned rams. This charming small inclusion is a personal touch added to what was essentially an extremely grand city workshop commission. The most well known example from this group which has appeared on the market on a couple of occasions, was formerly part of the important tapestry and carpet collection belonging to the British property developer Reginald Toms (Murray L. Eiland Jr. and Murray Eiland III, Oriental Carpets, A Complete Guide, Toronto, 1998, p.297, fig.298). Two further examples of the group with linked arabesque borders sold Christie's, London 25 April 2002, lot 100 and Christie's, New York, 18 December 2001, lot 62. A further feature these examples share with the present lot is the mirrored design, which creates an attractive balance but also allowed the workshops to create carpets on almost any dimension. Two slightly smaller examples that have manipulated this field design to produce a square format sold in these Rooms, 13 October 2005, lot 65 and one of particularly attractive and fine weave on 18 October 2014, lot 120.