An Avedis Tamishjian Kum Kapi silk and metal-thread rug, Istanbul, Northwest Anatolia

"Avedis Tamishjian" Kufic signature in central metal thread medallion

Sotheby's New York, April 24, 2013, lot 225.

Pile ranges from near original closely shorn 1/10th of an inch to low to knotheads in some scattered areas, mostly at upper end of field. Upper end dry in areas, resulting in some small slits and a repaired slit right at guard border. One small old repair in outer guard border in upper right corner. Silk with some color changes and fading to dye, mostly in reds of border. Slight powdering. Metal thread with oxidation consistent with age. Sides and ends with cotton bands sewn on reverse. Sides reselvaged with three cord cotton selvages. Ends with original flatwoven finishes. Good variety of color, fine weave. Rare design. In good overall condition, recommend tending to dry areas at lower end.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

While rugs from other Kum Kapi masters, such as Zareh Penyamian, are fairly common on the market, there have been only a handful of rugs from the workshop of Avedis Tamishjian to have appeared in the last two decades; Christie's London, October 4, 2011, lot 21; October 25, 2007, lot 103; October 15, 1998, lot 289; October 11, 1990, lot 13; Sotheby's New York, October 26, 2012, lot 144 and, most recently the last time the present rug was sold at Sotheby's New York. Tamishjian was a master weaver who established workshops in the Kum Kapi district of Istanbul around 1920 and who worked for the merchant Nuh'negi, see Pamela Bensoussan, "The Masterweavers of Istanbul," Hali, issue 26, p. 38.   The Kum Kapi school was reputedly started by two Armenians, Zara Agha of Keyserie and Apraham Agha of Sevas in the late 19th century, see George F. Farrow, Hagop Kapoudjian, The First and Greatest Master of the Kum Kapi School, London 1993, p. 11. Kum Kapi rugs such as this are known for their use of fine materials, such as silk and metal-thread and for the superior technical skill of their weavers.