Lot 78
  • 78

An Eastern Anatolian runner fragment, possibly Nevşehir

Estimate
28,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description

  • Wool, pile
  • approximately 179 by 69cm; 5ft. 10in., 2ft. 3in.

Provenance

Purchased by the present owner 1985

Literature

Alexander, C., A Foreshadowing of 21st Century Art The Color and Geometry of Very Early Turkish Carpets, New York, 1993, pp. 120 - 126, ill. pp. 121 & 123 (detail).

Alexander. C., 'Early Turkish Rugs A New Way of Looking', Hali, April, 1991, issue 56, p. 120 & 5 (detail).

Condition

Overall measurements; The fragment - 64cm across the top, 69cm across the bottom, 179cm the left hand side, 173cm the right hand side. The backing - 252 by 140cm. Pile varies from knot-bars to 3-4mm in areas. Fabulous colour and drawing. First hand inspection advised. An image of the weave and additional photographs of the piece can be requested from the department, harry.grenfell@sothebys.com, +44(0)207 293 5556
"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 runner fragment is one of the more striking and poignant within the collection. The repeat scrolling blue leaves against the ivory ground is almost unique and aging the work is difficult; it is quite possibly an earlier weave than stated. Alexander believed it to be a Seljuk work of the 13th century. A runner with differing colours yet utilising similar design is illustrated in Herrmann. E., Seltene Orienteppiche IX, Munich, 1987, pp. 86 & 87, pl. 35. Herrmann concurs that the design of his example originates from Anatolia and attributes it to Kuba from the weave. He also likens his runner to one in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, acc. no. 08.208.2. The Metropolitan example is attributed to Azerbaijan, 18th century, and the Herrmann, to the 17th or 18th century. It is interesting that both of these examples, which share such unusual and rare field design, should be attributed to centres so far from Nevşehir - where Alexander states he was told it came from, Alexander, 'Foreshadowing', op.cit, p. 120. The Alexander runner is a magnificent and rare example and like so many within this collection gives rise to further questioning.