An Azerbaijan silk embroidery, South Caucasus

worked in running stitch and box stitch

Spink & Son, Ltd., London

Silk embroidery on a natural linen ground. Oxidized dark brown outlines. Some further minor losses to other colors but not extensive. Scattered spot stains. A small 1 cm. by 1 cm. hole in field. Virtually no restoration. Complete outer guard strip. Stretched and mounted on linen.
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 worked embroidery is very similar in technique, coloring and pattern to one in the Victoria and Albert Museum that was included in the International Exhibition of Persian Art in London in 1931, see Jennifer Wearden, "A Synthesis of Contrasts," Hali, issue 59, fig. 16, p. 110.  Other closely related examples are from the collection of David Khalili, see Christine Klose, "The Perpedil Enigma," Hali, issue 55, p. 111, pl. 2, Eberhart Herrmann, Asiatische Teppich-und Textilkunst, vol. 1, Munich, 1989, pl. 20, and from the Battilossi Collection, Christie's London, February 11, 1998, lot 82.