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Lot Essay
Reputedly part of the decoration of an imperial Indian palace, this carpet was purchased by the British diplomat and minister of finance, Sir Edward Fitzgerald Law when stationed in India in 1900. Law married the only daughter of a prominent member of an old Byzantine family from Athens, and it was through her side of the family that the carpet passed down by descent.
The present carpet is typical of those produced at Agra in the mid-19th century distinguished by the bold scale of drawing, the fine weave and the vibrant palette. Woven within each of the corners of the border is the figural depiction of a pair of small animals, likely horses. This charming inclusion is a common feature found on a particular group of carpets, the best known of which 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).
The present carpet is typical of those produced at Agra in the mid-19th century distinguished by the bold scale of drawing, the fine weave and the vibrant palette. Woven within each of the corners of the border is the figural depiction of a pair of small animals, likely horses. This charming inclusion is a common feature found on a particular group of carpets, the best known of which 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).