A Caucasian 'Blossom' carpet,

Sotheby's New York, December 16, 2004, lot 37

Color slightly lighter and less grey in reality with fresh greens, reds, light blue and yellows more distinct than in catalogue illustration. Pieced together from a larger carpet. Pile low to knotheads and foundation overall with rewoven and repilied areas of various vintages. Missing outer guard stripes with ivory outer guard borders partially rewoven and sides reselvaged. Ends with cloth tape sewn over ends. Fabric backed. Some surface spots/stains, and paint marks; would enhance with careful cleaning. Robust weave. Restored, handsome example with enough color and pile to read 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.
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.

For a closely related Caucasian carpet with a similarly rendered Afshan design in the Türk ve Islam Eserleri Museum, Istanbul, inv. no. 945, see: Murray L. Eiland, Jr., "Afshan, A Study of Design Development", Hali, Issue 104, pl. 2, p. 59 and a fragmentary carpet in the Textile Museum, Washington, D.C., inv. no. 1970.14.1, see: Charles Grant Ellis, Early Caucasian Rugs, Washington, D.C., 1976, pl. 28.