Antique Indian Sampler Mat

25670

Indian Sampler Mat

Northern India, possibly Lahore

2.0 x 3.10

C. 1930

All  cotton foundation, with approx. 180 asymmetric (Persian) wool knots per square inch

Sampler mats were created for several different purposes: to store patterns; for the weavers to consult when making larger carpets; and for the ultimate client to approve the weave, color way and pattern before a larger carpet is woven.

Indian samplers are quite rare, and they usually function as both weaver guides and pattern reservoirs. This sampler, incorporating a snippet of the ogival red leaf lattice field, with a section of a yellow ochre border with cypresses, trees and upright flowering plants, has not been taken from a Mughal period pashmina pile, silk foundation, ultra-fine weave but from an illustration of one. A fragmentary piece is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ex-Altman collection. These fragments are from a long and narrow carpet with a weave of about 1250 knots per square inch. They were first published with an illustration in Sarre and Trenkwald, Old Oriental Carpets, vol. II, 1926-1929. So, the sampler mat cannot be older than about 1930.

The pile is regular sheep wool rather than fine pashmina goat. The sampler was used in a factory to create a full-sized carpet.  Given that it is incomplete  in both field and border, there were probably additional samplers with other parts of the design. The colors are, however, modern close approximations of the original.

As to where and by whom the sampler was made. Lahore is the first possibility. This has always been a carpet trading and weaving center. Thus, the rug could have been ordered from any one of the local shops. The sampler was made in a very professional atelier which had access to an extensive design library, one having the Sarre and Trenckwald set. Oriental Carpet Manufacturers (O.C.M) was active in India beginning in the first quarter of the 20^th century and had an excellent library and skilled designers. They had a specialized factory in Mirzapur weaving fine carpets, and this sampler could have used these.  OCM did not market their carpets and it is difficult to assign any extant pieces to them, but since they were by far the largest carpet manufacturer, it is quite possible that this piece is one of theirs. Historicizing Mughal-style carpets, copied from illustrations in Sarre and Trenkwald , and from Hendley, Carpets in the Jaipur Palaces, 1905-6, were available in the Interwar Period,  OCM possessed them in their extensive library, and we have seen other Mughal-style pieces of finer weave that successfully reproduce the originals. This sampler allows us to complete the fragmentary original.

To view this sampler on our website, click here.

*Written by Dr. Peter Saunders.

Antique Agra Based on Famous “Sheikh Safi” Carpet

Rug #: 19006

Origin: India – north

Type: Agra

Size: 6’3” X 9’0”

Circa: 1890-1900s

Weave density:  450 knots/sq in

Warp: hand spun cotton

Weft: hand spun cotton

Pile: wool

Sides: 3 ply cotton

Main Colors:  wine red, ivory, soft yellow, charcoal black, royal blue, emerald green, soft aqua, peach and rose.

The present carpet originates in northern India, specifically in the city of Agra, where they have been weaving rugs dating back to Mughal period.  The town and surrounding regions have a long history of rug making dating back to at least to the beginning of 16^th century.

From the 16^th up to the end of 19^th century the most famous manufacturers of Indian carpets operated in the Agra region, weaving some of the best rugs coming out of the India.

Because of its location close to the Himalayas its breed of sheep produced the highest quality of wool, the cool temperature always cerates a very sturdy and lustrous grade of wool which is the main factor for Agras.  Hence, the rugs coming from this region all have the most lustrous and luxurious wool which over the span of decades has improved just by the simple process of being walked on.

Agras are amongst the most sought-after antique carpets in today’s market. Their gracious size, subtle color combinations, and uncluttered patterns make them appealingly adaptable to room settings of varied décor.  

Even today there are still many carpets being produced in the city of Agra and many of its surrounding regions.

Many Indian carpets from Agra region are inspired by Persian rugs, they mostly follow the same traditional designs found on Persian rugs, however they tend to be not as formal and their colors usually are not as dark as typical Persian carpets form the same period.

The design of this piece is based on the famous “Sheikh Safi” carpet in London’s Victoria & Albert museum.

The field design consists of a central medallion with 16 spandrels atop of a wine red field, interspersed with smaller angular floral motifs.  The corners are based on this same medallion style – sitting atop a trellis pattern of vines.

The rugs main border consists of meandering palmettes and stylized floral motifs atop of pale jade green background with accents of soft red, ivory and moss green, its flanked on each side by narrower guard borders with interlocking design of vine-leafs.

In our opinion the rug is very unique, and it is considered a one of kind piece.   Also, taking its age into consideration the piece is in the best of conditions.

To view this rug on our website, click here.