KASGAI carpet (Iran), 3rd third of the 20th century Dimensions: 199 x 85cm. Technical features: Wool velvet on wool foundation. An oblong, jagged cherry counter-field covered with a multicolored floret pattern, where a few birds hide, hosts five octagonal medallions, crocheted and bound, sky, ivory and navy. Entomological shapes and vegetation cover them. The vegetal marine field serves as spandrels. Ivory border with a succession of stylized polychrome fantasy animals, framed by two bluish, leafy counter-borders. External highlighting with positive/negative chess pieces. A beautiful and colorful example of ethnic craftsmanship.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.