An Oushak 'Lotto' rug, West Anatolia,

Ottoman Treasures: Rugs and Ceramics from the Collection of Dr. and Mrs. William T. Price, Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham, October 3-December 12, 2004

Divine Images and Magic Carpets: From the Asian Art Collection of Dr. and Mrs. William T. Price, Amarillo Art Center, Amarillo, Texas, April 18-May 31, 1987, no. 39

Denny, Walter B., Ottoman Treasures: Rugs and Ceramics from the Collection of Dr. and Mrs. William T. Price, Birmingham, 2004, p. 9, fig. 8.

Bausback, Peter, Antike Orientteppiche, Braunschweig, 1978, pp. 48-49.

Pile is generally low to knotheads throughout. Oxidized browns. One small 1inch by 1 inch reweave in lower end border. Two approximately 1 inch by 1/2 inch reweaves in center of field. Some further minor restitched areas, not extensive. Scattered repiling to oxidized dark browns. Some further minor repiling together colors, most to reds. Rewoven outer guard stripes on all four sides and two small 1 inch by two inch reweaves in lower end corners. Sides reselvaged in madder red wool. Added ends with later finish and fringes. Upper end with burlap band and velcro strip on reverse. Lower end with cotton pocket sewn across on reverse. Supple handle, vibrant colors, very good condition for age, restored, ready for use.
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 arabesque-trellis or so-called 'Lotto' design was popular from its first appearance around 1500. Production of rugs in this pattern was increased to meet demand in the 17th century and they generally feature a border wider in proportion to the field than their precursors. Structurally, rugs such as this are similar to the so-called 'Transylvanian' group that were also woven in large numbers for the European market. Here, the field design is framed by a generously proportioned border filled with cartouches that creates a bold visual statement. For similar examples, please refer to Ferenc Batári, Ottoman Turkish Carpets, Budapest, 1994, pl. 13 and Sotheby's New York, December 10, 1992, lot 125. A comparable 'Lotto' rug of almost identical size was sold Sotheby's New York, September 19, 2003, lot 76.