This Indian hand-knoted rug is a modern reprodution of the famous Clark Sickle-Leaf carpet.
Corcoran's Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet, also known as the Clark Carpet, is one of the most famous and valuable antique carpets in the world. It is named after its former owner, William A. Clark, an American industrialist and senator. The carpet is renowned for its exquisite design, craftsmanship, and historical significance.
The Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet is an antique Persian carpet that is believed to have been created in the 17th century during the Safavid dynasty in Persia (now Iran). It features a stunning design with sickle-shaped leaves and palmettes arranged in a repeating pattern. The colors used in the carpet are predominantly red, green, and ivory, which create a visually striking and harmonious composition.
In 2013, the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., sold the Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet at auction for a staggering $33.7 million. This sale set a record for the highest price ever paid for an Oriental rug at the time. The buyer remains anonymous.
The Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet is significant not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its historical importance. It exemplifies the skill and artistry of Persian carpet weavers during the Safavid period. Additionally, it represents the fascination with Oriental carpets in Europe and America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when wealthy collectors sought out these exquisite pieces for their homes.