An Oushak "Medallion" carpet, West Anatolia,

Pile is generally low to knotheads overall. Oxidized browns, some with repiling. Some further minor scattered repiling. Scattered rewoven areas throughout, ranging from approximately 9 inches by 3 inches, to 1/3 of an inch to 1/3 of an inch in size. Some restitched areas in lower end border with visible white stitching. One 2 inch and one 3 inch slit in left border. One 1 inch slit by right border. Side guard stripes rewoven and parts of guard borders. Ends secured with cloth tape sewn on reverse, now missing guard borders and guard stripes. Sides overcast. Supple handle, respectable condition for age, emblematic design, sound fabric where intact, will enhance with restoration to slits and holes.
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.

With its nearly circular central medallion, excellent drawing, abundant use of meandering floral elements, and powerfully contrasting border, the lot offered here is a classic example of a medallion Oushak carpet. The color scheme here is typical to comparable pieces from the 1600s: a red ground for the field with a blue medallion and border, all accented with yellow outlines with greens and blue-greens completing the palette. For a carpet with a similarly well-balanced design, see Friedrich Spuler, Islamic Carpets and Textiles in the Kier Collection, London, 1978, p. 50, pl. 22.