As part of Sotheby’s Orientalist and Middle Eastern Art Week, a group of four sales dedicated to art produced across the Islamic world from ancient to modern times, 280 lots sold to bring £14,998,938 / $20,934,439 (est. £10,402,300-14,893,000) – an increase of 18% from the equivalent season in 2017. Comprising a treasure trove of exceptional collector and decorator pieces spanning Persia, India, Central Asia, Anatolia, Turkey and Europe, Sotheby’s sale of exquisite Rugs & Carpets totalled £1,553,063 / $2,178,016 (est. £1,354,300-1,881,000). The auction was led by the largest Toussounian silk carpet ever to appear at auction, which soared above estimate to £393,000 / $551,143 (est. £200,000-300,000) – setting a world record for any 20th century carpet at auction. The design elements of this ‘Emperor’ silk carpet take from one of the most complex and sophisticated groups of classical carpets of the early Safavid period in the 16th century, adorned
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