A Kashan 'Mohtasham' carpet, central Persia, second half 19th century

335 by 245cm. approx.

Condition Report:
The carpet has a localised band of wear in the centre of the field where the pile rests at the knot bars. Otherwise, the pile generally remains approximately 1-2mm. in depth and shows a beautiful wool quality with a light lustre and soft texture. The palette is hamonious and balanced, reflected in the well-spaced drawing of the carpet, and the carpet may benefit from a professional clean. There are repaired splits, mostly localised in the border, which have been backed by a fabric backing for stability, with a smaller number within the field. Localised reweaves at the outer edges. A couple of rows are lacking and each end with intermittent small, further losses in these areas. The side cords partially lacking. As viewed.

Catalogue Note:
The soft kurk wool, well-spaced drawing, and beautifully balanced colour palette display the hallmarks of the so-called Mohtasham weavings. Mohtasham carpets are generally attributed to the end of the nineteenth century (see Ian Bennett, ‘The Myth of Mohatasham’ in HALI, no.35, pp.44-49), although Herrmann posited an earlier, first half nineteenth century, date for the present example (Herrman 1978, p.44). The fine weave and light handle of the present example, along with its delicate drawing and palette, do, however, suggest that it was a relatively early production. The choice of colour is particularly harmonious, the two shades of blue off-setting each other such that neither is too dominant against the soft ivory field. An almost identical carpet was sold at Christie’s, London, 26 October 2017, lot 311.

Provenance:
Acquired from Eberhart Herrmann, Germany, circa 1978

Thence by descent