Rare Antique Agra carpet, India, circa 1860

This Antique Indian Agra carpet is a rare find an in exceptional original condition dating from circa 1860.  This is one of the best early Agra carpets we have ever seen,  both in the simple colour selection and the condition it remains in.  The ’Shrub’ design in the main field is one of the most pleasing and desired designs in Agra carpets.

On researching this carpet, we found a drawing from 1830 in the V&A Museum which is exactly the border design in this carpet - see the link below and additional images, quite amazing and exceptionally rare.  So this Agra carpet could, quite possibly be even earlier than 1860 as this design was made around 1840.  The design is an inlay drawing for the cenotaph of Shah Jahan identical to the border design of this ivory rare Agra carpet.

The Indian city of Agra in the late 19th century was an area where carpet weaving began to excel, as carpets and rugs were comissioned for the western market. Persian designs were used, but like Ziegler carpets the designs were generally enlarged to show beautiful palmettes and vines with mainly reds, purples, greens and ivory as the predominant colours.  From the 16th century, during the Mughal Empire carpet weaving was influenced by the Persian weavers which resided in Agra, India.  Designs on Agra carpets vary considerably, but Persian floral motifs from Tabriz and Ziegler were often used.  The British revival in the 19th century bought back the production of oriental rugs after the collapse of the Mughal Empire due to high demand for export.

We offer the service of viewing any of our carpets & rugs in-situ in London, Surrey, Hampshire & the UK by appointment. Please contact us to arrange a time to view this exceptionally rare antique Agra carpet in our barn showroom or in your own home at a convenient time.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

Stock number