17th century carpet fetches record price at auction
16th April 2010
The carpet was sold to an anonymous overseas bidder for £6.2 million - a world record.
According to the Daily Mail, "rapturous applause" broke out in the Christie's sale room when the purchase was confirmed.
The sale of the rug smashes the previous world record for this type of carpet - a silk Isfahan rug dating back to the 1600s was sold for a total of £2.3 million in New York in 2008.
William Robinson, director of the Rugs and Carpets at Christie's sale, commented that the rug's condition and quality was testament to the weavers in the city of Kirman, Iran.
An American couple who paid a recent visit to the Middle Eastern nation also had praise for Persian carpets.
Nancy and Dan Adolphson commented to the Danville Weekly that the couple were keen to buy a carpet and explore the ancient city of Persepolis on their travels.
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