A village rug, probably Anatolia

Pile ranges from closely shorn 1/10in. with dark browns oxidized to foundation and areas of wear also low to foundation with several holes, with the largest being 5in. by 3in. in field. Remnants of original 2-cord wool selvages with losses, fraying and some later overcasting. Upper end with partial original kilim end finish with losses particularly to the upper left corner. Lower end with uneven losses into guardborders, several nicks to the center and the left side. Extremely supple handle, sound fabric, good color and archaic design.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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This intriguing piece combines design elements found in Anatolian rugs with those more typical of Caucasian and Persian weavings.  The generous border employs cartouche with interior tracery reminiscent of early West Anatolian rugs, see H. Kirchheim, et al, Orient Stars, London and Stuttgart 1993, pl. 161, or the pendent medallions on a 16th century Persian carpet, see Jon Thompson, Milestones in the History of Carpets, Milan 2006, fig. 165; and flatwoven Safavid rugs such as A.U. Pope, A Survey of Persian Art, Oxford, 1936, pl. 1263.  The ton-sur-ton vinery in the border is found on Karapinar rugs as well as an early East Anatolian carpet in the Vakiflar Museum, Istanbul, see B. Balpinar and U. Hirsch, Carpets, Wesel 1998, pl. 26.  The reciprocal diamond guard borders are featured on numerous weavings from the Caucasus from the 18th century on, for two examples, see C.G. Ellis, Early Caucasian Rugs, Washington, D.C. 1975, pls. 20 and 30.  To add to the puzzle, there is an open narrow indigo outer surrounding border that is more typical of Northwest Persian weavings.   The three medallion field design is spacious and employs motifs such as stylized palmettes that are shared across the rug belt.  It seems that the weaver of this rug was familiar with workshop produced carpets and here assimilated some of their motifs in an individual and possibly unique way.