A Kirghiz bag face, middle Amu Darya region, Turkestan

Rugs of Rare Beauty from Midwestern Collections, American Conference on Oriental Rugs, Indianapolis, April 25-28, 2002

Hali, vol. 1, no. 3, advertisement, p. 37

Hali, "Rugs from Midwestern Collections," issue 123, p. 96, fig. 15.

Pile ranges from approximately 1/8 inch to low to knotheads in scattered foldwear areas; small quarter-sized reweaves upper end; scattered repiled moth damage. Sides later overcast. Upper end with original flatwoven finish; lower end possibly missing 1-2 rows of knots, now secured with loose blanket stitch. Hanging rod and rings sewn to reverse of upper end. Supple handle, sound fabric and 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 color palatte and decoration of this koshjabyk (pile bag) is traditional for Kirghiz nomads. Narrow stripes patterned with sedepcha and talbargi motifs divide the field into twelve triangles, creating the so-called ai kochot design. Each triangle is further decorated with elongated crescents of alternating colors which, according to V. G. Moshkova in her book entitled Carpets of the People of Central Asia, represent the Moon. Following this logic, the madder and ivory dots populating the triangles can be viewed as the stars. A very similar Kirghiz koshjabyk panel with only eight triangular reserves and a different border from the collection of the Uzbekistan State Museum of Art is illustrated V. G. Moshkova, Carpets of the People of Central Asia, Tucson, 1996, p. 128.