£35,000
In stock
Description
A fine and rare late 19th century Indian Agra Carpet
Hand knotted in wool
In excellent condition
The expansion of the British Empire in the 19th century led to an increased market for exotic goods from the new territories. Commissions for high quality carpets were received from many stately homes in England and there was also demand from the new mercantile classes that had emerged in Victorian England. The British Raj supervised and controlled the resurgence of carpet production in India to meet these requirements.
Weaving centres were established in the Indian Jails where looms were erected and prisoners were instructed by Master Weavers. The quality of these carpets was exceptional, using the finest pure wool for the tightly hand knotted pile. Their designs were inspired by the classical Persian and Mughal carpets of the 16th and 17th centuries.
The most famous of these weaving centres was the Agra Jail, close to the Taj Mahal, where a carpet of enormous proportions was created for the Waterloo Chamber at Windsor Castle and was presented to Queen Victoria as a gift when she became Empress of India.
The excellence of these woven works of art has ensured their demand and they remain much sought after and highly praised to this day.
Specification
Antique Collection
Indian
1880
414 × 366 cm13’6” x 12’
