Central Persian Silk Isfahan at Christie’s Rugs & Carpets Spring Sale
Published April 16th, 2008
Christie’s New York Spring 2008 auction of Rugs and Carpets will be held on June 3. The sale will be led by a gorgeous silk Isfahan rug from Central Persia, circa 1600, from The Doris Duke Collection and the Newport Restoration Foundation (estimate: $1,000,000-1,500,000). Also on offer will be ten more rugs and carpets from The Doris Duke Collection with estimates ranging from $3,000 to $180,000. The proceeds of the sale will benefit the Collections and Conservation Fund of the Newport Restoration Foundation. The sale is expected to realize in excess of $2 million.
Woven in Isfahan during the reign of Shah Abbas I (1587-1629), the rug measures approximately 7′ 7″ x 5′ 7″ inches. Its brilliant quality is established through the subtle use of fourteen shades of color – an important contrast from the eight to ten shades that is typical of fine oriental rugs. The light hues are complemented by the sapphire blue, scarlet and green areas that radiate throughout the rug.
Auction: Fine Rugs & Carpets June 3
Viewing: Christie’s Rockefeller Galleries May 30- June 2
