A Mughal saph fragment, the Deccan, probably Warangal,

Sotheby's New York, December 13, 1986, lot 105

Woven horizontally. Pile is low to knotheads and spot foundation overall. Several rewoven areas, including: most of upper end border, with some areas extending into field above prayer arches, ranging from approximately 4 inches by 1 inch, to 10 inches by 4 inches in size; approximately 1/3 of right side border; a 4 inch by 4 inch and a 3 inch by 2 inch area in right panel; a 3 inch by 2 inch area in central panel. Further smaller scattered reweaves. Restitched areas throughout. Some earlier repiling. Oxidized browns. Some scattered holes, with the largest being an L-shaped hole, of apporoximately 3 inches by 3 inches, in center of central panel. Two approximaetly 1 cm by 1 cm hole in lower left area of saph. Other holes of different sizes ranging in between. Some stitching to backing fabric to complete design. Scattered stains, with the largest being approximately 3 inches by 2 inches in left panel. Backed with linen. Very attractive light colors, unusual form for origin, restored and stabilized. Technical analysis: Warp: cotton, Z4S, white Weft: cotton, Z spun, 3 shoots, light brown Pile: wool, assymetric knot open to the left Density: 7 horizontal, 9 vertical Sides and Ends incomplete colors: burgundy, ivory, blue-green, ochre, walnut
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.

Related examples of multiple-niche prayer rugs (saphs) are one in The Textile Museum, Washington, D.C., published in Richard Ettinghausen, et al, Prayer Rugs, Washington D.C., 1974, pl. 24, pp. 80-8,1and another in the collection of Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf, see Daniel Walker, Flowers Underfoot, New York, 1998, figs. 132 and 133, cat. no. 38, pp.136-137.  The two cited examples have different designs within each prayer niche, however, all three of these pieces share a virtually identical ivory border of meandering floral vinery as well as the shallow arch of the prayer niche and reserve above that is punctuated by two bold rosettes.  In color palette, drawing and wool quality they also appear to be very closely related suggesting that they were woven in the same or adjacent workshops during the same period.