A Tekke Turkmen embroidered mantle (Cherpi), West Turkestan,

silk and wool embroidery on a yellow silk ground, wool felt embroidered sleeve decorations, applied tassle fringes, lined with printed cotton

Embroidery generally intact and in good condition. Yellow silk ground also in good condition. A red stain (6 inches by 4 inches) in one corner, with smaller attendant spots. Embroidery very good, saturated color. Contemporary applied silk fringes are magenta, deep blue-black with green and magenta band at the base of the robe; on the sleeves they are madder red and blue-black. Interior lined with coarse cotton printed in madder red and ivory check pattern. There are some tears to the lining and old repaired slits. Overall in very good condition.
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.

The yellow silk ground of this ceremonial cherpi denotes that it was worn by a married woman, whereas unmarried women would have worn green and women over the age of 63, white. According to local tradition 63 was the age of the Prophet Mohammed at his death on 8 June 632. For examples of yellow silk ground mantles see: Turkmen and Antique Carpets from the Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Jon Thompson, Sotheby's New York, 16 December 1993, lot 2; Sotheby's New York, 4 April 2001, lot 1; and 16 December 2004, lot 18.