the tomato red field with with pale blue mihrab with spandrels and vinery, walnut palmette border

117cm across the top; 118cm across the bottom; 169cm to the left; 175cm to the right. With beautiful drawing of the arches, mihrab and border. The pile is very thin throughout, 1mm or down to knotheads. The ends are frayed and the top outer guard stripe has been rewoven from right to left and crudely stitched. The flatweave side cords are later and worn and in some areas lost, eg lower right hand side. The left hand side outer barber pole border to the left hand guard stripe is mainly re-woven as are thee side cords. There are small areas of re-piling generally, for example in the top right hand corner three small sections can be seen within the outer and main border. The field has a small section of re-pile approx. 2cm in the lower quadrant, there are also four tears. In the middle of the field is an area where the weave has been stretched and there is a restored tear which arches beneath the blue mihrab. There is a distressed area to the right of the mihrab. The madder field has run into the lower section of the main border, seen more clearly on the reverse, also into the blue mihrab. There are areas of wear throughout and lazy lines and weft colour changes visible. Some early tinting of the foundation flanking the left hand column. Estimate commensurate with condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Possibly acquired by Richard Monckton Milnes, 1st Baron Houghton or Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe in the late 19th or early 20th century