A Khotan carpet, East Turkestan

Pile generally low to knotheads with areas close to original 1/6th inch. Oxidized madder. Remnants of original selvages with losses and minor fraying. Losses to end guard borders. The lower end with bites into the lower corners of the border. Heavily soiled, will enhance with a thorough cleaning. Very supple handle, honest 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 two medallion composition here appears to be more unusual than either the single medallion or triple medallion format in Khotan carpets.  A few two medallion pieces include Ulrich Schürmann , Central-Asian Rugs, Frankfurt-am-Main, 1969, pl 87; Hans Bidder, Carpets from Eastern Turkestan, Tubingen, 1964, fig. 2, pl. IV; and Sotheby's New York, 3 December 1988, lot 111.   The four borders of the present carpet are found in numerous weavings from Khotan, however, not in this precise configuration.  Related polychrome mazework and wave borders appear on the Schürmann rug cited, while the yellow curling vine border of this lot appears on the large Khotan carpet also in Schürmann , op.cit., pl. 82 and sold Christie's London, Davide Halevim: Magnificent Carpets and Tapestries, 14 February 2001, lot 39.