Certainly the carpets seemed to have been almost overlooked by the auctioneers, Bonhams Australia, which tagged them with estimates that were low, in some cases ludicrously so. It is true of course that oriental carpets rarely fetch serious prices at auction in Australia. But the proof was in the pudding, with the auctioneer noting considerable interest in the carpets well before the sale, which was converted into buoyant prices.
More than $50,000 was paid for several carpet lots, mostly bought or at least underbid by the local trade.
Included were a pair of Persian Kirman carpets, (lot 606) each just 3m long, in a minutely detailed millefleurs design on pale green fields
The pair were especially finely knotted but needed a clean. This lot rated an estimate of $3000 to $4000 but sold for $60,000 including premium.
Also in the sale was a large Kirman, (lot 488) again finely knotted, with a repeated lozenge design on an ivory field, and in generous dimensions of 7.7m by 4.9m. (The carpets, like most types of wares on offer, were confusingly spread through the catalogue.) Despite some damage to the side cords it was in good condition. It had the beefiest estimate of $15,000 to $20,000 but sold for $57,600.
A Heriz 5.3m long (lot 519) featuring a repeat design of stylised plants on a blue field was estimated at $7000 to $10,000. Price? $52,800. And it went to the trade, which clearly felt it would ultimately resell for more.
The list goes on:, a 2m long Kashan prayer rug (lot 493) with a $500 to $700 estimate which sold for $3360. Right down to, a Turkish Ushak (lot 487), 7.3m long estimated at $200 to $300 which brought $3840.
Buyers might have overlooked, an 18th century Turkish Ghiordes silk prayer rug (lot 616) which while decorative, was badly worn and damaged. Its estimate of $200 to $400 was pretty much on the money – it sold for $480.