THE SCHÜRMANN KARAGASHLI LONG RUG, EAST CAUCASUS |

Gunther Marschall, Hamburg

Schürmann. U., Caucasian Rugs, Poolsville, 1990, pp. 286 & 287, pl. 109

Overall measurements: 110cm across the top, 113cm across the bottom, 275cm the left hand side, 278cm the right hand side. Pile evenly fair 1-2mm overall. Finely woven and sheared. The outer guards have been reduced, and have later overlocking (as visible in the photograph). Colours bit hot in the catalogue image. In reality warmer colours, more attractive. It would benefit from a clean. Beautifully drawn.
"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."

 "Many good Caucasian pieces passed through the hands of Cologne carpet art dealer Dr. Ulrich Schürmann and found a resting place in the hideaway of Prof. Marschall, for example this old red ground Karagashli, published in Schürmann’s text book for Caucasian carpets." (EH) Shirvan Karagashli rugs with a red field rarely appear; see Sotheby's, New York, 15 April 1998, lot 103. Another, more general example, is cited by Schürmann himself in his own publication, op. cit, pp. 284 & 285, pl. 108.