A Russian flatwoven carpet, possibly Yusupov workshops, Rakitnaia, Russia,

Scattered reweaves of various sizes with the largest being approximately 3 inches by 4 inches in lower left corner of field. Another reweave of comparable size in upper left corner of field. Further scattered smaller reweaves. Three small holes in central medallion on left side. Some smaller restitched holes. One inch slit in right side of field under central medallion. Scattered spot stains. Some surface abrasions and abrash to dark brown color. Fabric backed with new linen backing. Woven horizontally. Ends folded under and sewn. Will enhance with cleaning and minor restoration to slits and holes, good condition for age, unusual early design.
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 graciously drawn compartmentalized design of the carpet offered here is closely related to the neoclassical plafond pattern, popular in Russian carpet weaving in the early nineteenth century. Carpets with such design were produced almost exclusively at the princely workshops in Rakitnaia, a village in the Khotmyzh district of the province of Kursk. The workshops were founded by Prince Nikolai Borisovich Yusupov in 1787 and were in operation until 1831. The Yusupov workshops in Rakitnaia supplied the imperial court and members of the aristocracy with high-quality carpets in the latest neoclassical designs. In order to satisfy the increasing demand and to produce large seamless carpets, in contrast to the previous strip carpeting made on narrow horizontal looms, vertical looms were introduced at Rakitnaia at the turn of the century, see Sarah B. Sherill, Carpets and Rugs of Europe and America, New York, 1995, pp. 284-285. The striking plafond design, the very high quality of craftsmanship, and the horizontal weave of the lot offered here suggest that this carpet was produced at Rakitnaia for an aristocratic, or possibly even imperial, patron. A carpet with similar design, possibly from Rakitnaia, is now in the former bedroom of Karl XIV Johan in Rosersberg palace, near Stockholm, see Göran Alm, Kungaslott från Vasa till Bernadotte, Milan, 1997, p. 64.