Among the most lasting legacies of the Irish arts and crafts movement was the Dun Emer Guild, first established by Evelyn Gleeson in Dundrum, Co Dublin in 1902. A wide range of crafts were developed by the organisation, which would also count the two Yeats sisters, Lily and Elizabeth, among its number until they left to establish their own business, the Cuala Industries, in 1908. Dun Emer continued in operation until the 1960s, run first by its foundress and then by her niece Katherine MacCormack. The latter is believed to have been responsible for the design of this carpet, manufactured by the Dun Emer Guild at some date in the 1920s when the business had come to specialise in the deployment of celtic motifs.

Measuring more than 10 ft by almost 13 ft, the large carpet has a blue base bordered in a celtic design using several shades, while the central section is cream and features stylised swans' heads. An attached label reads "Pim Bros. Ltd. Carpet Warehouse. Exchequer St. Dublin". The carpet is included in an auction of important 20th century decorative arts being conducted by Christie's at its London premises on Wednesday May 16th. Given its good condition and the relative scarcity of such work coming onto the market of late, the estimate is £7,000-£9,000 sterling.