A Central Anatolian rug,

Bausback, Peter, Antike Orientteppiche, Braunschweig, 1978, pp. 84-85.

Pile is generally low to knotheads throughout. Oxidized browns with some scattered repiling. Some further scattered repiling to other colors, not extensive. Some scattered rewoven areas, with the largest ones being approximately 3 inches by 2 inches southwest of central medallion and 2 inches by 1 inch in left border. Further smaller scattered reweaves. Missing side guard stripes. Sides now reselvaged with brown wool. Missing end guard stripes and approximately half of guard border, now secured with blanket stitch. Cotton sleeve sewn on reverse at top. Supple handle, vibrant colors, sound fabric and condition, restored and 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.

Stretching from Konya in the west to Sevas in the east, Central Anatolia was the most important carpet-producing area of the Ottoman Empire. Within this expanse, the most important weaving centers were those of Konya and Ladik. However, as the region covers about 23,000 square miles, the differences in design among rugs woven in various locations scattered about can be vast. Unlike West Anatolian weavings, where wefts are often of cotton, and of eastern pieces, where wefts are spun of wool, Central Anatolian rugs are woven with a mixture of wool and cotton while otherwise retaining an essentially identical structure to their western counterparts, see Murray L. Eiland Jr. and Murray Eiland III, Oriental Carpets, London, 1998, p. 186. The rich color palette of the lot offered here is that often found in rugs from Konya, where earthen yet fresh hues were very popular with weavers. The predominance of sea foam green in the field of this rug also supports a Central Anatolian origin as greens feature less in weavings from the west, see M. Eiland Jr. and Eiland III, ibid., p. 191.