A KASHAN CARPET, central Persia, c. 1900.

This silk prayer carpet of exquisite appearance and very fine knotting has a colorful Mihrab which is decorated with two floral trees flanking a central vase arrangement. Precise spacing serves to separate theses tree thematic pattern elements. Various birds of colorful plumage perch in the tree, in random position on either side of the field, several facing outwards. Blue spandrels also detail bird motifs, while the maroon border employs a delicately- expressed palmetto series of traditional Kashan conception. The side-borders and a striking plain yellow outer stripe complete this superb specimen.