An Agra small carpet
India, c1890.
8ft 3in x 5ft 7in : 250cm x 170cm
With the expansion of the British Empire and the subsequent increase in the demand for exotic goods from the new territories, the British Raj was able to supervise and control productions of carpets in India. Agra became the main centre where the jail was noted for the fine carpets woven by the inmates, though other workshops also existed.
The design derives from the Persian original popular during the reign of Shah Abbas I (1588-1622). Commissions were received from many stately homes and also for the mercantile classes, which had emerged in Victorian England, the Allcrofts at Stockesay Court, Shropshire, commissioned a particularly fine set of six Agra carpets for the principal rooms.
The present carpet, of rare small format and is in good condition and retains fresh original colours, though created in the 19th century, the carpet has a modern edge and can be used in both traditional and contemporary interiors design schemes.
