Lot 29
  • 29

A fragmented Konya prayer rug

Estimate
3,500 - 5,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Wool, pile
  • approximately 181 by 123cm; 5ft. 11in., 4ft. 1in.
catalogued according to design orientation

Exhibited

San Francisco, M. H. de Young Museum, The Christopher Alexander Collection, November 1990 - February 1991.

Literature

Hali, April/May 1994, issue 74, cover illustration & p. 4.

Alexander, C., A Foreshadowing of 21st Century Art The Color and Geometry of Very Early Turkish Carpets, New York, 1993, pp. 240 - 242, ill. pp. 38, 101, 241 & 349 - shown in the San Francisco M. H. de Young Museum, 1990/91.

Alexander. C., 'Early Turkish Rugs A New Way of Looking', Hali, April, 1991, issue 56, p. 119.

Condition

Overall measurements; 110cm across the top, 109cm across the bottom, 123cm horizontally through the middle, 164cm the left hand side, 166cm the right hand side, 181cm vertically through the middle. Not mounted. Pile in opposite direction of the orientation of the design. Pile varies from foundation and knot-bars to maximum 3mm. Pile is at highest in the top half of the rug. Browns oxidised, for example in the field of the niches. Edges with later overcasting. Flat weave at both ends, with some losses, as visible in the photograph. Very good colours including green and aubergine with striking drawing. Personal inspection advised. Additional photographs available from the department on request, telephone +44(0)207 293 6441, email harry.grenfell@sothebys.com.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This prayer rug shares similarities with the so called ‘Transylvanian’ double column prayer rugs and seems to be a variation on the design. Like the 'Transylvanian' rugs this lot is woven with the pile going against the design orientation. The use of motifs is also similar to this genre, see Ionescu. S., Antique Ottoman Rugs in Transylvania, Rome, 2005 for comprehensive discussion on the ‘Transylvanian' group. Interestingly the border design seems to be variation of the cartouches we see in the 'Transylvanian' rugs, but which is also found in some of the Oushak ‘Lotto’ rugs; an example can be seen Denny. W., The Carpet and the Connoisseur The James F. Ballard Collection of Oriental Rugs, Verona, 2016, p. 83. Cat. no. 10. However, the present lot has depressed warps, an attribute associated with rugs from Ladik: one such example which bears similarities in design and colour to the offered lot can be seen in Lemaistre. J. & Franses. M, Tapis Present de L’Orient A L’Occident, Paris, 1989, pp. 132 – 133. This example was also attributed to Ladik until after technical analysis was later assigned to Oushak.