Cairene Ottoman prayer rug, 16th century. Christies

John Taylor's notes on this carpet: "The Christies carpet failed to reach its estimate in London on April 19 1979(Lot 22)It was described by Hali as "a beautiful example"(Hali II-1-page 67)Its lamp may also not be original-the area has certainly been rewoven.It surfaced later in an advert from the Swedish dealer J.P Willborg(Hali 69-47)Both examples seem related,and in the death throes of a decadent struggle,later epitomised by a whole school of Ghiordes carpets and the petrified Pandermas.
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Information and picture courtesy: John Taylor, rugtracker.com