DESCRIPTION
A magnificent antique hand-knotted Amritsar carpet, circa 1875, bearing the rare woven workshop signature of 'Tobak' (توباک) in a Nastaliq cartouche — a distinction that elevates this piece well above the unsigned market. Measuring an impressive 10'10" x 13'8" (330 x 417 cm), the rug presents a luminous dusty-rose and blush field densely animated with sinuous floral scrollwork, palmettes, and botanicals rendered in rich crimson, sage, ivory, and ebony — hallmarks of the refined Indo-Persian aesthetic for which late 19th-century Amritsar workshops were internationally celebrated. Formerly in the inventory of the Claremont Rug Company (stock no. CR 17301), one of America's most respected authorities in museum-quality antique carpets, this piece carries the full weight of professional attribution and provenance. An exceptional acquisition for the serious collector or discerning interior designer seeking an authenticated, room-commanding antique textile of the highest decorative order.
CONDITION REPORT
Consistent with honest age and use of approximately 150 years, the hand-knotted wool pile displays even, gentle wear with expected low areas across the field — characteristic of a well-loved antique carpet rather than damage. The cotton foundation remains structurally sound, the selvedges are intact, and the overall laying flat and dimensional stability of the carpet are excellent. No major losses, repairs, or restoration are visible; minor edge softening and natural color mellowing are entirely appropriate for a piece of this age and add to its authentic patina.
