A 'Transylvanian' style Ghiordes prayer rug, West Anatolia

Measurements; 123cm across the top, 122cm across the bottom, 158cm along the left side, 158cm along the right side, 162cm vertically in centre. Pile in opposite direction to orientation. Condition report based on orientation of piece, with the niche at the top. Generally low pile with knotbars visible. There are several large re-weaves, joins and repairs in this rug; visible as the different coloured areas in the borders and field. Details of these repairs follow but personal inspection is advised, additional photographs from the department are available. For example in the lower section there are irregular horizontal joins across the lower section of the rug, approximately 56cm up from the lower edge, and down to 44cm on the right half of in the inside left border, and 56cm up from the lower edge in the outer main border section on the far right hand side, and up to 44cm in the far right outer borders. There is a horizontal rectangular shaped reweave in the lower section of the inside of the niche, between the two columns and visible in the columns. A horizontal repair (5 by 28cm) extends into the two left hand side borders (and not into the three narrow outer bands). There is a stepped triangular area of the original rug, above this repair in the lower right corner of the main border, which is 35cm high on left down to 14cm high on the right. The rest of the main border up to top underneath the horizontal border has been re-woven. There is an irregular rectangular section (23 by 6cm) at the top inside of main border. The top horizontal border has some minor areas of reweave visible as small vertical rectangular stepped section (7 by 8cm) extending from the vertical border and re-weave in the left corner, and rectangular shaped reweave in the top left corner of the border (4 by 14cm). The top of the niche is predominantly later re-weave, as visible in the photograph, with the darker sections on the right hand side being original, and the light olive green ground of the internal niche has repairs around the mosque lantern, visible as the darker areas, and these later areas of repair extend down the outside of both columns. The azure blue serrated design on inside of niche is original, and the turquoise is later. There are some dark marks in the lower section of niche, as visible in the photograph. Flatweave ends and fringing with some losses and side cords are later. Remnants of cotton ribbon on reverse of edges.
"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."