A Khotan saddle rug

Pile ranges from 1/8 inch with areas of wear and moth damage low to knotheads and foundation. 4 x 3 inch reweave near center. Scattered repiling, now faded, in some damaged areas. Holes and tears, largest 1 x 1 inch, in upper end. Upper half generally in better pile than lower half. 2 x 2 inch stain in upper end clouds and waves. Ends with small losses and fraying. Sides overcast, also some small losses. Very supple handle, sound fabric.
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 striking design of this rug was described by Charles Grant Ellis as having "sonic sound waves" that brought to his mind the logo of the RKO motion picture company, see C.G. Ellis, "Chinese Rugs," Textile Museum Journal II/3, Washington, D.C. 1967, p. 48.   So apt was this name that this group has been called the RKO rugs ever since, see Hans König, "The RKO Family," Hali, issue 110, pp. 96-105.   The present lot exhibits the customary RKO composition of a central medallion surrounded by horizontal dashes and vertical strokes with wave and cloud end borders.  The coloring and drawing of the wave and cloud ends in this example are most similar to those on a rug published in J. Eskenazi, L'Arte del Tappetto Orientale, Milan, 1983, pl. 308, p. 417, as well as a rug recently sold in these rooms, 7 December 2010, lot 56.  The medallion of the rug offered here, with a stylized "Yün Tsai T'ou" (cloudhead) motif, appears to be unusual among the published RKO examples where a fretwork, dragon or rosette roundel is often employed. For a schematic drawing of a similar "Yün Tsai T'ou" motif, see Hans Bidder, Carpets from Eastern Turkestan, Tübingen, 1979, p. 66-67. For a thorough discussion of the RKO rugs and related examples please refer to H. König, op.cit.