An Oushak "Small Medallion" Rug, West Anatolia,

Collection of Rudolf Martin (1864-1925)
thence by family descent

Colour in illustration is too heavy: the field is a softer madder red, although the rug appears to be very dirty and the colours overall should freshen with cleaning. Pile varies from approx. 2-3 mm to areas where colour oxidisation reveals thin pile or knot-bars. Madder field has largely original pile on left hand side of field with area of wear to knot bars along right hand edge of field (visible in illustration), with areas (visible in the photograph) of repiling and areas of reweave: two larger areas of irregularly shaped repling and scattered spot repiling (almost certainly of old moth damage, based on distribution pattern) mainly though lower half of rug (all visible in illustration); some small dark brown spots (burn marks?). Centre of the centre field motif, has later rewoven area, which is visible as lighter shades of surrounding similar colours (approx. 7cm. x 9cm), plus an area to the right of this motif, which is a different shade of madder (more orange in tone) where pile has oxidised to knot bars and discoloured. Localised brown areas, especially the outer narrow banding and outline edges to corner quadrants have oxidised, revealing small areas of knot-bar foundation, and this is visible in the taupe areas, and in some areas of the azure blue narrow banding. Both sides with later outer green guards and inner brown and white stripe, along with the last low of madder along the edge. This later area extends around all four corners and has later fringe attached in these small sections at each end. Both ends with central sections with vestiges of original striped end guards and original fringe. Reweave in left hand border approx. 6 by 4 cm. Ends overlocked. Condition overall in fair to good condition, Presently backed with cream coloured cotton. Hoops attached along one edge. Some sections of backing are missing, so that reverse of rug visible. Vertical line of white stitches visible top right corner, where lining has been sewn through, and these can be removed. Lining is pulling at rug along both ends.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For additional information on Rudolf Martin, please see footnote to Lot 276 in this sale.