A Konya coupled-column prayer rug, Central Anatolia,

Pile generally good with areas of 1/8 of an inch - dark browns and reds oxidized to knot heads and some to foundation with most of dark browns repiled. Scattered repiling in red field and some spots in blue-green arch. Small scattered reweaves - not extensive. Original 2in. yellow upper kilim end with knotted fringes with some holes in kilim and losses to fringes. Lower end with some reweaving in guard border. Partial original selvages with repairs. Stains at lower end. Very supple handle, lovely color and spacious 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.

Similar in its overall design scheme with lot 81 in this catalogue, these two rugs have entirely different border systems.  The rosette-filled border and dark brown guard borders are more closely related to the coupled-column prayer rugs from the early 19th century such as lot 53, Carpets from the Estate of Vojtech Blau, Sotheby's New York, December 14, 2006; Herrmann, Eberhart, Rare Oriental Carpets IV, München, no. 5 and Sotheby's New York, May 18, 1985, lot 39.   The coffee pot and carnation shrubs here are features that become more prominant in the cited examples. Also in these 19th century rugs the coupled-columns virtually disappear with very squat ones remaining in the Blau piece and only the capitals left in the other two examples.   The lot offered here is a piece that marks the transition from earlier rugs such as lot 81, to those of the 19th century mentioned above.  We are offered a view of the continuum as well as the change that took place over time in Turkish village workshops.