A Moghan Kazak rug, South Caucasus

Warp:  wool, Z2S, natural ivory and brown twist



Weft:  wool, Z spun, natural ivory, 3 to 5 shoots



Pile:  wool, symmetric knot



Density:  7-8 horizontal, 7-8 vertical



Sides:  4 cords of 2 warps wrapped in multicolored wools



Ends:  upper with later macrame cable; lower with 1/8 to 1/4 inch blue kilim



Colors:  madder red, rose red, deep blue, mid-blue, light blue, green, aubergine, yellow, ochre, ivory, walnut

Divine Images and Magic Carpets: from the Asian Art Collection of Dr and Mrs William T. Price, Amarillo Art Center, April 18-May 31, 1987

Jerry A. Schefcik et al, Divine Images and Magic Carpets: from the Asian Art Collection of Dr and Mrs William T. Price, Amarillo, Texas, 1987, pl. 22

Pile generally near original closely sheared 1/8 inch with dark brown outlines oxidized to knotheads; small foldwear areas low to knotheads and a rewoven foldwear slit (approximately 5 x 1/4 to 1 inch) on left edge. Small scattered areas of repiling in foldwear areas and to some of the dark browns. Partial original 4-cord selvages wrapped in variously colored wools with later overcasting in areas. Lower end with remnants of flatwoven finishes, both ends now with trimmed warp fringes. Highly lustrous wool and luminous colors; very flexible, blanket-like handle; good overall 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 design here of hooked, stepped "Memling" guls supported by diagonally striped columns punctuated by diamonds is shared with Moghan weavings such as the Ritman long rug, sold Sotheby's London, 18 October 1995, lot 41; a rug published by Eberhart Herrmann, Asistische Teppich-und Textilkunst, v. 3, Munich, 1991, pl. 33; another in Heinrich Kirchheim et al., Orient Stars, Stuttgart and London, 1993, p. 15, p. 49; and one in James D. Burns, The Caucasus: Traditions in Weaving, Seattle, 1987, pl. 30.  Here, as in the Burns, Ritman and Kirchheim pieces, the ivory ground is a perfect foil for the brilliant and varied colors employed in the design.  The yellow border of the present rug is shared with the Kirchheim example, however, its hooked design motifs differ from the examples cited and are found in other Kazak rugs, such as Eberhart Herrmann, Kaukasische Teppichkunst, Munich, 1993, pl. 40.  In near original condition, the present rug exhibits the lustrous wool and brilliant color that characterize the best Caucasian weavings.