Upcoming Christie’s Live Auction: Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, Including Rugs and Carpets
Mark your calendars for an exciting event—on October 30, 2025, at 10:30 AM, Christie’s in London will host a live auction dedicated to the Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, including Rugs and Carpets. This auction is set to showcase a remarkable collection featuring 71 carpet lots, each with its unique story and historical significance.
Featured Lots: An Intriguing Peek
Among the highlights of this auction is Lot 140, a stunning 16th-century Selendi ‘Bird’ carpet. This exquisite piece hails from the Usak region of West Anatolia, crafted around 1575, and is estimated to fetch between GBP 250,000 and GBP 350,000. Notably, this rare carpet has previously been exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Detroit Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Islamic Art in Berlin, underscoring its cultural and aesthetic value.
Lot 140 – A RARE LARGE SELENDI ‘BIRD’ CARPET, USHAK REGION, WEST ANATOLIA, CIRCA 1575. Size: 15ft.2in. x 7ft.1in. (465cm x 217cm). Estimate: GBP 250,000 – GBP 350,000.
Another noteworthy entry is Lot 120, a 17th-century Safavid Isfahan gallery carpet that once belonged to a Japanese museum collection. This carpet, measuring 23ft.9in. x 10ft.1in. (730cm x 309cm), is estimated to sell for between GBP 60,000 and GBP 80,000, a true gem for collectors of Persian art.
Lot 120 – AN IMPRESSIVE SAFAVID ISFAHAN CARPET, CENTRAL PERSIA, EARLY 17TH CENTURY. Size: 23ft.9in. x 10ft.1in. (730cm x 309cm). Estimate: GBP 60,000 – GBP 80,000.
A Diverse Collection of Carpets
The auction features a rich variety of carpets, each reflecting various cultural influences and craftsmanship. For instance, Lot 133 is a silk and metal-thread Koum Kapi rug, signed by Zareh Penyamin from Istanbul, crafted circa 1920. This stunning piece is expected to fetch between GBP 10,000 and GBP 15,000.
Lot 133 – A SILK AND METAL-THREAD KOUM KAPI RUG, SIGNED ZAREH PENYAMIN, ISTANBUL, TURKEY, CIRCA 1920. Size: 6ft.3in. x 4ft.4in. (191cm x 133cm). Estimate: GBP 10,000 – GBP 15,000.
In addition, Lot 146, a Sewan rug from the Kazak region, crafted circa 1870, rounds out the offerings with an estimate of GBP 8,000 to GBP 10,000. The vibrant patterns and rich origin stories behind each rug promise to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Lot 146 – A SEWAN RUG, KAZAK REGION, SOUTH CAUCASUS, CIRCA 1870. Size: 6ft.11in. x 5ft.2in. (212cm x 158cm). Estimate: GBP 8,000 – GBP 10,000.
Preview and Catalog Information
For those eager to explore the collection further, a public preview is scheduled from October 25 to 29 at Christie’s King Street location. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and intricate details of each piece up close.
Additionally, the auction catalogue has been published and can be perused online at Christie’s website. Each entry showcases photographs and descriptions, giving a deeper insight into the artistic and historical context of the items for sale.
For further information and to view the complete catalogue, visit Christie’s Auction Page.
Location and Contact
The auction will take place at Christie’s, located at 8 King Street, St. James’s, London. This prestigious venue has long been a hub for art lovers and collectors, making it the perfect setting for this grand event.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an admirer of fine art, this auction offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Islamic and Indian artistic traditions. With such remarkable pieces up for bid, this event is set to be a highlight in the art world calendar.