Bennett, I., 'The Alexander Collection: Part II A carpet is a Picture of God', Hali, April/May 1994, issue 74, p. 95, fig. 12.
Alexander, C., A Foreshadowing of 21st Century Art The Color and Geometry of Very Early Turkish Carpets, New York, 1993, pp. 196 - 197, ill. pp. 62 (detail) & 197.
Catalogue Note
There is one other example to the offered lot which shares the continuous yellow field and two panel ‘Holbein’ design, so named after the Hans Holbein painting Ambassadors of Framy, 1533, the National Gallery, London. This example is in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Istanbul, inv. no. 420 and can be seen in Turkish Carpets from the 13th – 18th centuries, Istanbul, 1996, pl. 60. In addition the eight corner spandrels within each example are very similar. The Istanbul example differs from the Alexander example most notably in the border designs, although a similar palette is employed. Another ‘Holbein’ with similar design and blue hues, also formerly in the Alexander collection, was sold at auction, Christie’s London, 10 April 2008, lot 101. It is interesting to note that this particular shade of blue is shared with works from Konya and Karapinar within the Alexander Collection pieces offered in this sale, lots 64, 67, 85, and 121.
Overall measurements; the fragment - 124cm across the top, 116cm across the bottom, 124cm horizontally through the middle, 150cm the left hand side, 149cm the right hand side, 158cm vertically through the middle. The backing 167 by 133cm.
Colours not as red in tone as in the photograph, with a warmer yellow and a more attractive dark terracotta in hue. The edging of the holes in the centre are not as strident when looking at in reality. The material used to line the fragment, visible in the photograph is a complimentary colour and weave of modern textile which blends with the areas of the fragment where the original foundation, now lacking pile is visible.
Pile varies from knotbars down to foundation. Dark stain visible in centre bottom of field.
An image of the weave can be requested from the department, harry.grenfell@sothebys.com, +44(0)207 293 5556 "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."