A Shrivan Marasali prayer rug, East Caucasus

Pile generally low to knotheads throughout with areas in guard borders having slightly higher, approximately 1/10th of an inch pile. The rug has significant tapering towards the bottom end, as visible in catalogue illustration: top end measures 46.5 inches, the lower end measure 39.5 inches. Rug slightly dry resulting in a number of horizontal and vertical cracks, most at upper end, now all restitched. A few scattered small reweaves, the largest being approximately 4cm by 1/2cm in niche. Also 2 small reweaves in lower end outer guard stripe. Minor scattered foldwear. Sides overcast and missing 1 or 2 rows of knots in areas. Upper end with missing outer guard stripe and 1 or 2 rows from guard border. Both ends secured with cloth tape sewn on reverse. Lower end secured also with blanket stitch and upper end with binding stitch. Lustrous wool, very fine weave. Attractively drawn flowers. Sound overall condition but requires careful handling due to dryness.
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.

This finely woven, silk foundation rug is one referred to by Ralph Kaffel as belonging "...to a small, elite family of very finely woven lattice pattern rugs, usually atttributed to Marasali. Rugs in this group feature rows of flowers arranged in sequence to form a 'V' pattern.  The depiction of some of those flowers is usually natrualistic, and red silk is often used in the pile.  Yellow is used in greater proportions than in similar white-ground lattice pieces."  See Ralph Kaffel, Caucasian Prayer Rugs, London, 1998, pl. 94, p. 150.  The other known related examples are a piece dated 1230 (1814) formerly in the Yale University Art Gallery, now in the collection of James D. Burns, see Sotheby's New York, 31 May 1986, lot 7 and James D. Burns, The Caucasus: Traditions in Weaving, Seattle, 1987, pl. 7; a wool foundation piece in Eberhart Herrmann, Seltene Orientteppiche IX, Munich, 1987, pl. 37; and the rug formerly with Vojtech Blau, sold Sotheby's New York, Carpets from the Estate of Vojtech Blau, 14 December 2006, lot 39.