A `Medallion' Oushak Carpet, West Anatolia

Private Collector, London
Paulette Goddard Remarque, sold Sotheby's London, 18th November, 1976, Lot 49

Colours not as strident as in the photograph. Madder red wool warps and wefts. Knot Count V 4/ H 3-4 per cm. Uneven pile, areas worn down to red foundation, see for example half way down left side in photograph, where red colour visible as horizontal strips from edge into main field. See also same wear to same area on the right side, and to the blue ground around especially around the central medallion. Some spot repiling. The detailing in dark forest/moss green has oxidised in some areas, as have some area of the brown. Different colours used for re-overcast sides. Double cords showing in sections. Red warp fringes trimmed to straighten out and slight losses to outer guard. Vestiges of later brown overlocking along one end.
"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."

Oktay Aslanapa, One Thousand Years of Turkish Carpets, Chp. V. 16th & 17th century Classical Turkish Carpets, Istanbul, 1998, pp.103-136, illustrates an example of a late 16th century medallion Oushak and a schematic drawing, pl. 82 and drawing 29., showing similarities within the central field layout to the offered lot. 

For further comparable 17th century examples with similar central medallions, a red ground fields, and use of half sections of secondary medallions, see Ferenc, Batári, Ottoman Turkish Carpets, Budapest 1994, pp.128-129, pl.35 & pl. 36.  Iten-Maritz, J., Turkish Carpets, New York, 1997 p.167 shows an example of an Oushak, dated circa 1750, with similar internal layout. Friedrich Spuler, Islamic Carpets and Textiles in the Kier Collection, London, 1978, p. 50, pl. 22. illustrates a similarly designed, red ground field, 17th century example, again with half section secondary medallions.