A KUBA LONG RUG, EAST CAUCASUS |

Christie's, London, 14 October 1999, lot 64

Overall measurements: 125cm across the top, 127cm across the bottom, 315cm the left hand side, 317cm the right hand side. Please note the image is upside down in the printed catalogue and on-line. Condition report completed looking at the piece in the correction orientation of the weave. Colours are very green in the printed catalogue image/and on-line image. Colours much better in reality. The great joy of this piece is the colours, which are very vibrant. The yellow is less acidic, and yellow in border is not lime green. Grassy/apple green is more vibrant. Pile generally good for age, with areas in border very good and indigos less at 3-4mm and browns oxidised to knot-bars. Field more generally 2-4mm, with some minor areas of wear to knotbars in central stepped ivory medallion, in upper half, and in upper part of upper green/blue hooked medallion. Original sidecords. Vestiges of original red flatweave at each end and trimmed warp fringes. Overall really glorious colour and exceptionally pretty.
"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."

 "Calouste Gulbenkian travelled to the Caucasus in 1894; he wanted to know why some carpets are long and others squarish. In Kurdish the long size format is called xaliça nerdevana - a narrow carpet for a staircase... to heaven? In Farsi, nerd means dice or backgammon, perhaps referring to the uncertainty of the path between the earthly and spirit worlds?" (EH)