.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The flawless quality of weave, design and rich colouring of the present carpet parallels the exquisite carpets woven during the 'golden age' of carpet weaving in the workshops of the Persian Emperor, Shah Abbas I, after whom their design is named. The present carpet belongs to a group of carpets woven in the city of Agra in northern India that adhere to the traditions of 17th century Safavid Isfahan and Mughal Indian carpets of the "in-and-out" palmette and scrolling floral vine type. Even though they were based on 17th century prototypes, they are not straightforward copies of these earlier examples, but rather the result of a continuous design development of this conceit.
In the second half of the 19th century these impressive Agra carpets were favoured by the British nobility and were commissioned directly in India. They also proved popular throughout Europe and were exported to royal and aristocratic castles and palaces across the continent. An almost identical carpet, but slightly shorter in length, sold in these Rooms, 24 October 2019, lot 268.
In the second half of the 19th century these impressive Agra carpets were favoured by the British nobility and were commissioned directly in India. They also proved popular throughout Europe and were exported to royal and aristocratic castles and palaces across the continent. An almost identical carpet, but slightly shorter in length, sold in these Rooms, 24 October 2019, lot 268.