A Karabagh gallery carpet, South Caucasus

scattered silk highlights and a single knot of metal thread, the inscription reading fi 14 shawwal sanah 1266, 'In 14 Shawwal , year 1266 (23 August 1850)'

Overall measurements: 194cm across the top, 196cm across the bottom, 458cm along left side, 454cm along right side Pile even 3 mm overall, oxidisation to the cerise and peppermint green in central medallion, with knot bars visible, areas of attendant wear and some spot foundation visible, narrow row of oxidised black in the blue ground beneath the cartouche, some oxidisation to greys; sidecords in good condition, ends overlocked to stabilise, brindle wool warps trimmed. Glorious colour. Please note rug is illustrated in catalogue showing direction of weaving, ie with inscription panel at top. Inscription panel has therefore been woven upside down in effect.
"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."

A marvellous example of an early Caucasian Karabagh gallery carpet, this lot has been woven with 23 different colours in wool, and a further four in silk are used for  highlights.  This extraordinary range of colours competes with the variety found in the best of Safavid weaving to create a carpet of wonderful vitality. The inclusion of silk and metal-thread in the weaving together with the inscription clearly indicates this was considered an important piece at time of weaving. 

Similar works to have appeared in auction include Christie's London, 21 April 2015, Lot 97, and Sotheby's, London, 12 April 1989, lot 400, both also utilising the minakhani design. The Sotheby's example cited was dated 1268 AH (1851-52).  However neither example apparently incorporated the use of silk or metal-thread.

Colours:

Wool: Black, indigo, royal blue, azure blue, light blue, teal, olive green, apple green, peppermint green,  lime yellow, saffron yellow, light apricot, camel, almond brown, cerise, madder red, palest pink, rose pink, sugar pink, bois de rose, sienna orange, gull grey, ivory (23);

Silk:  Ivory, olive green, cerise, dark blue (4); 

Wool warps, cotton weft

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