BIDJAR carpet (Iran), 3rd third of the 20th century Dimensions: 330 x 225cm. Technical features: Wool velvet on cotton backing. A jagged cherry field supports a honeycomb trellis pattern, with multicolored vegetation forming a "subliminal" paving. In the center is a magnificent polylobed medallion in navy, turquoise, cherry and old gold, with arrowhead pendants. Four quarter medallions of the same type serve as spandrels. The main navy border is decorated with undulating plant scrolls and multicolored corollas, flanked by two old gold counter-borders and two turquoise highlights, all four with polychrome flower garlands. Sublime ensemble.

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.