South Persia (Iran), c. 284 x 201 cm, Savafid Empire: 1501-1722) second half of the 17th century (a report on age determination by means of C14 analysis of 3 different dyed wool fibres is available). Pile: wool, knots: asymmetrical open to the right c. 250,000 kts/sqm, warp: cotton, weft: cotton and wool.

Vase carpets have been studied by May Beattie and are attributed to the region of Kirman. This group is among the most fascinating products of the Persian art of weaving and features a complex grid design or a Surrealist floral pattern, with or without vases, and is characterised by specific knotting technique, colours, wool and style. The most valuable and finest pieces, partially with silk weft threads, feature twisting serrated slender leaves (so-called ‘saz motif’), which in the present coarsely knotted specimen (similar to the Lady Baillie vase carpet or the carpet formerly in the Islamic Department of the Berlin Museum, which was lost during the War) is replaced by thinner leaf stems instead. The main border with large flowers and flowering shrubs occurs in many known specimens, including the aforementioned provenances, and is also a “time indicator”. The carpet shows an excellent pattern and colour condition for its old age, with wholly complete and original finishes, pile with traces of usage and without any visible repairs. The longitudinal edges have been repaired and both ends secured. Additionally, the carpet has been professionally cleaned.

Provenance:
German Private Ownership

Further reading:
Wilhelm v. Bode and Ernst Kühnel, Vorderasiat. Knüpfteppiche aus alter Zeit, Munich 185, pp. 123-131; E. Heinrich Kirchheim, Orient Stars, Eine Teppichsammlung, pp.107-112, ill.: plate 72; Angela Völker, Die oriental. Knüpfteppiche im MAK, plate 95; Jennifer Wearden, Oriental Carpets and their structure, Highlights from the V & A collection, pl. 21 and 61-64.

On 5 June 2013 in a renowned American auction house, the world record price of a vase carpet spiralled out of control. The “Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet” from the first half of the 17th century sold for USD 33,765,000. Three years earlier, the sale of the “Comtesse De Béhague Vase Carpet” in London caused a sensation when it was knocked down for GBP 6,201,500.