A Soumac triclinium carpet, East Caucasus

Sotheby's New York, June 6, 2007, lot 43

Soumac stitching generally intact with dark browns oxidized to foundation with minor old reknotting but most showing the warps. Restitching to yellow and ivories in lower reserve. Original selvages with some later overcating. Original 1-2 inch macramé fringes on each end. Very supple handle, good 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 triclinium format of the carpet offered here is generally found in larger, pile audience carpets and is rarely woven in the Soumac technique.  A tripartite Soumac carpet once with Frank M. Michaelian was exhibited at the Textile Museum in 1969 and is published, Anthony N. Landreau and W. R. Pickering, From the Bosporus to Samarkand: Flatwoven Rugs, Washington, D.C. 1969, fig. 30a, p. 46.  It is possible that these soumac tricliniums were woven as samplers, as suggested in "Auction Price Guide," Hali, issue 153, p. 150.