The Specialist's Choice – Christopher Stålhandske Lists Carpet Favourites at Important Spring Sale
Specialists choice Christopher Stålhandske
We have spoken with Christopher Stålhandske, Head Specialist Carpets, textiles and Islamic works of art, who talks about the selection at this season's Important Spring Sale. He also takes the opportunity to list some of his favourite objects among the substantial amount high-quality carpets at this spring's auction.
What can we look forward to in this season's Important Spring Sale?
– This season's carpet department shows a great geographical mix, stretching from Scania in southern Sweden to Agra in northern India. We have several large carpets of international quality that are unusual to see at auction in the Nordic countries.
Browse our web catalogue and welcome to visit the viewing. Don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions.
When is the viewing and auction?
Viewing: June 8th–13th, Berzelii Park 1, Stockholm
Open: Weekdays 11 am–6 pm, Weekends 11 am–4 pm
Auction Live: June 14th – 16th, Arsenalsgatan 2, Stockholm
Read more about the auction and view the catalogue
A carrige cushion, "Bebådelsen", tapestry weave, Skåne, 1800-1830"
The pattern depicts when the archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she would become pregnant with Jesus. The pattern is quite common but often has a dark ground; the blue colour is very unusual.
To the carrige cushion
An antique Agra Carpet India
During the 19th century, the British Empire became one of the largest in history. The 1851 London Exhibition (The Great Exhibition) showed the new empire's waste areas, and several carpets from India were on display, which resulted in great demand for carpets from Agra. In 1862 several prison manufacturers were established. Weaving studios were established in Indian prisons where the prisoners were forced to weave carpets as part of their punishment. A master weaver always instructed the prisoners. The quality of these carpets is very high. Inspiration was drawn from ancient Anatolian carpets (just like the present carpet) as well as the classic Persian and Mughal carpets from the 16th and 17th centuries. The most famous weaving studios were Agra Jail, near the Taj Mahal, where a colossal carpet was woven and placed in the Waterloo Chamber of Windsor Castle. It was presented as a gift to Queen Victoria in 1877 on the occasion of her Imperial Durbar.
A Lori Pambak rug, Kazak region, South Caucasus,
Pambak is a village in the Lori region of Armenia. The Lori Pambak motif often consists of one or several large octagon medallions.
An antique Moghan 'Long rug', Kazak region South Caucasus"
The depicted carpet pattern with güls (medallions) and hook ornaments is one of the world's oldest. "Memling güls" comes from the painting "Flowers in a Jug" by Hans Memling from around 1485, in which a smaller carpet with the pattern is depicted. The painting is today in the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid. (Inv. no. 284.b.)
To the Moghan 'Long rug'
Contact our Specialists
Stockholm
Christopher Stålhandske
Head Specialist Carpets, textiles and Islamic works of art
+46 (0)708 19 12 58
Stockholm
Björn Extergren
Head of Consignment and Sales Department, Fine Art. Specialist Antique Furniture, Decorative Arts and Asian Ceramics
+46 (0)706 40 28 61