Sotheby's Fine Oriental and European Carpets
Sale: NY7631 | Location: New York
Auction Dates: Session 1: Wed, 04 Apr 01 10:15 AM

LOT 156
An Ottoman carpet, Cairo, Egypt,
60,000—80,000 USD

DESCRIPTION
An Ottoman carpet, Cairo, Egypt,
mid-16th century
repiling, rewoven area, overcast sides, missing guard stripes, repaired slits, minute hole,
approximately 25 ft. 3 in. by 12 ft. 7 in. (7.70 by 3.83m.)

This carpet is one of the distinguished group of often-termed "Cairene" carpets. These carpets were the product of Egyptian workshops, previously established under the Mamluk sultanate, after their conquest by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. The subdued Mamluk color palette and unusual technique (see lot 63 in this catalogue) is employed for designs characteristic of Ottoman art. In this carpet, the overall design scheme and details such as the curling leaves, blossoms and Aintimani stripes typify the lush and floral patterns favored by the Ottoman court. For related examples of large Cairene carpets, please see Sotheby's New York, December 3, 1988, lot 341; Christie's New York, December 16, 1994, lot 167; and Christie's at Hackwood Park, 20-22 April, 1998, lot 1118; Dimand, M.S. and Mailey, J., Oriental Rugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1973, fig. 183, cat. no. 102.