Approximately 6 ft. 3 in. x 4 ft. 2 1/2 in.

Note: The above offered rug is illustrated in F.R. Martin, History of Oriental Carpets before 1800, Vienna, 1808, plate X. It is described as follows: "The charming carpet that is represented on plate X belongs to Count F. Wachtmeister (late Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chancellor of Universities of Sweden) at Tistad house. For several generations it has been at his mothers, the Wrangel family, and is still called the Wrangel Bridal Carpet, since all the daughters of the house were married standing on it. The first known owner was Count Wachtmeister's mother's great great grandfather, Anton Jacob Wrangler, born 1679, who took and active part in the naval battles in the time of Charles II, and especially distinguished himself in 1719, when with the man-of-war "Wachtmeister" he tried to obstruct the Russians at Sandhamm, but was taken prisoner, and only returned to Sweden in 1722 from Moscow. Later he became an Admiral and was awarded the first Count Wrangel of Sausis."

As early as the 15th century, silk rugs were being produced in Persia. By the 16th century, and certainly by the time of Shah Tahmasp (1524-1576) rugs and carpets were often enriched with a brocading of metal thread. The weaving of such fine silk rugs and brocades continued in the time of Shah Abbas (1587-1628). On ascending to the Safavid Throne he established special workshops in Kashan and Isfahan for the production of fine silk carpets. Though now known to have been made in Persia, these carpets were once believed to be Polish origin and were called "Polonaise" carpets, because one of them featured in the exhibition of 1910 in Munich, bears the arms of the Royal house of Poland. However, a document in the Warsaw archives establishes that it was part of an order executed in Kashan in 1602.

Many silk rugs of the Shah Abbas period were also woven with additional brocaded threads of silver or silver-gilt. Often they were made not only for the Safavid courts, but also as gifts for visiting foreign dignitaries. There are many references to 17th century silk rugs throughout European sources, notably Paul Simon, a Polish Carmelite father visiting Kashan in 1608, who describes rugs of silk, gold, brocades and velvets. John Fryer also visited Isfahan in 1676, tells of rugs "both woolen and silk intermixed with gold and silver, very costly, which are the peculiar manufacture of this country". In 1603 and 1622 there are accounts of a Persian embassy bringing brocaded and silk rugs to Venice, four of which are preserved in the treasury of Saint Mark's Cathedral.

Literature reference: M.S. Dimard, Jean Mailey, Oriental Rugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1973.

The Collection of Count F. Wachmeister at Tistad House, Nykoping, Sweden. Yves Mikaeloff Gallery, Paris.

Property from a Private New York Collection Very little silk or metallic thread left on the carpet with staining, wear and losses. Velcro on the reverse for hanging.Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.