The elaborate decoration adorning this mat reflects the rapid rise in popularity of distinctive and vibrant floral designs in painting under the Mughal Emperor Jahangir (r.1605-1627) (Frank Ames, “Woven Legends: Carpets and Shawls of Kashmir,” in Pratapaditya Pal, The Arts of Kashmir, Milan, 2007, pp. 193-209, p.198). By using the kani (twill-tapestry) technique, also used in shawl production, the floral designs in mats such as the present work took on an elegant “painterly quality” with much finer detail (ibid., p.201). A comparable mat with similar floral designs is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (inv.no. 99.156). For further prayer mats and arches of this type in the present sale, see lots 16 and 18.
Post Lot Text
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on the invoice. Please see Conditions of Sale for further information.