THE BENGUIAT ALCARAZ CARPETSPAIN, SECOND HALF 16TH CENTURYTHE BENGUIAT ALCARAZ CARPETSPAIN, SECOND HALF 16TH CENTURYEven light overall wear, minor localised old repair, reduced along central axis, in very good overall condition10ft.8in. x 6ft.9in. (326cm. x 205cm.)The present carpet is an exquisite example of a group of rare Spanish weavings which are among the oldest knotted-pile carpets extant today. While it is possible that carpet weaving was introduced to Spain with the 8th century Moorish conquest of the Iberian peninsula, it is documented that a flourishing carpet industry existed in Spain by at least the 13th century. Early Spanish carpets were heavily influenced by Islamic design traditions and over time, with the continual reclaiming of Spain by Christians, European Gothic and Renaissance patterns were incorporated into carpets creating a distinct Spanish style. During the Muslim domination of Spain, Spanish carpets were appreciated throughout the Mediterranean and there appears to have been a healthy export market, especially to Egypt. From the 13th to 15th century with the Christian reconquest of Spain, the appreciation of these carpets shifted toward Europe as there was no other established carpet production in the Western world. Patronage for these carpets in the West came from both the wealthy nobility and the Church. It also appears that it was popular for individuals to pay homage to the church by making gifts of such carpets to chapels and convents. The 15th and 16th century represents the apex of Spanish carpet weaving and it is during this period that traditional European designs become predominant with only vestigal Islamic influences remaining.During this period, carpet weavers often found inspiration from contemporary textile patterns and the source of the design of this carpet can be seen in 16th century Italian and Spanish velvets and voided silk brocades applied in a ton-sur-ton method, using two shades of the same colour (see S. B. Sherrill, Carpets and Rugs of Europe and America, New York, 1995, p.44, pls.39 and 40 and J. Torres-Terrandis, Exposicion de Alfombras Antiguas Espagnolas, Madrid, 1933). The execution of the elaborate interlocking stem lattice and the feathery drawing of the flowering palmettes in the present lot is of particular note, as is the preservation of the richly saturated indigo pattern laid upon the abrashed yellow/olive-green ground. Interestingly, these textiles were also influenced by Islamic precedents and the intertwining strap-work and palmette design seen here is a European interpretation of a traditional Islamic pomegranate and vine motif. Most early Spanish carpets are made using a single warp with offset knotting, a technique that may have come to Spain from Egypt between the 8th and 10th centuries. The knotting of the present carpet appears finer than most which is evident in the clarity of the design on the face.The pre-World War I period in America saw the emergence of a dozen or more important New York based dealers who specialised in rare, historical carpets and were instrumental in discovering outstanding pieces which are found today in museums and private collections around the world. Within this group were men of very different personalities and merchandising capabilities but with one thing in common ‘searching, finding and selling only the best’. The deeply charismatic Vitall Benguiat, had a keen eye for outstanding carpets and rugs and traveled far and wide to find examples of note for their collection, which was later sold at the American Art Association Galleries, New York, in 1925. Indeed that sale, from where the present lot is published contained a second, and equally beautiful Alcaraz carpet appeared in the same sale as the present lot, pl.52. A carpet described as having a "Textile pattern" with an indigo palmette and strapwork lattice laid upon a yellow ground, is in the Textile Museum, Washington (Ernst Kühnel, Catalogue of Spanish Rugs, 12th to 19th century, Washington D.C., 1953, pl. XXXIII). A closely related carpet of 'Lotto' design but with a similar border of elegant festooned ribbons enclosing flowering acanthus appeared on a larger 16th century Alcaraz carpet that sold for a record price at Christie's London, 14 October 1999, lot 100 (front cover). The bi-tonal palette of the present carpet is found on a smaller fragment, displaying a European damask inspired design, formerly in the Wher Collection, Switzerland, sold Sotheby's London, 6 November 2018, lot 30. A beautiful but more worn example in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (inv.29-1889), with the same field displays a border design of a double outline scrolling stem with stylised leaf motifs. Two examples are depicted in José Ferrandis Torres, Exposicion de Alfombras Antiguas Españolas, Madrid, 1933, pl.XLIII as well as the cover image which is unfortunately not identified inside. There is an example illustrated in Ian Bennett, Rugs & Carpets of the World, London, 1981, p.263. Two further examples were offered in these Rooms 29 April 2004, lots 240 and 241. A further, slightly smaller example, displaying a scrolling 'S' leaf border, was in the Caspar Collection (HALI, Issue 130, September-October 2003, p.132). That article lists a few other examples of similar carpets. Only a handful of Alcaraz rugs existing today have the same clarity of drawing and retain a similarly concentrated palette as the present carpet.Dr. Vallo Benjamin (1934-2021) was born in Hamadan, Iran to Christian Assyrian/Armenian parents. He first came to the United States to complete his medical training in neurosurgery at New York University, carrying only $100 in his pocket, eventually becoming a world-renowned neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at NYU Langone Health.Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Benjamin had a great passion for life and an acute eye for beautiful works of art. In the late 1970s, he sought out architect Paul Rudolph and together they succeeded in creating an austere, luxurious, and singularly beautiful New York City apartment. The great room had white marble floors, a soaring eighteen-foot ceiling, state-of-the-art lighting, painted fabric walls and a wide, clear Plexiglas staircase. The apartment was celebrated for its unique style and was featured on the cover of the Art section of The New York Times in 1984. Assyrian fragments, Persian carpets, medieval Italian furniture and stained glass, together with Chinese jades, classical furniture and Tiffany lamps were successfully displayed to create a harmonious and serene home. Dr Benjamin had the present Alcaraz carpet professionally mounted to hang above the lofty stair case which evidently has helped in its wonderful state of preservation.细节 THE BENGUIAT ALCARAZ CARPETSPAIN, SECOND HALF 16TH CENTURYEven light overall wear, minor localised old repair, reduced along central axis, in very good overall condition10ft.8in. x 6ft.9in. (326cm. x 205cm.) 来源 Messrs, Leopold and Vittal BenguiatThe V. and L. Benguiat Private Collection of Rare Old Rugs, American Art Association, New York, 1925, pl.33 注意事项 This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’swill inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storageare set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere.Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only.Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com.If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.Lots are not available for collection at weekends. This lot has been imported from outside of the UK 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 our invoice. ---------------------以下为软件翻译，仅供参考---------------------