A' DRAGON' STYLE CARPET, PROBABLY BY THEODORE TUDUC, ROMANIA |

Overall measurements: 172cm across the top, 182cm across the bottom, 329cm the left hand side, 331cm the right hand side. Pile varies generally 2-4mm (deeper in border) lower in some areas of field,more so in upper end of field where there are very minor areas of knotbars visible. Plain red surround with losses and loose knots at both ends. Would benefit from stabilising. Original triple corded green sidecords. Right hand outermost edge has a dozen or so areas of old mot damage which has exposed the warps, as visible in the illustration. Minor surface spotting, would benefit from a professional clean. Good quality wool with bright lucid colour.
"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."

For comprehensive discussion and illustration of the development of the distinguishable group of ‘Dragon carpets’, with the characteristic features of the dragon motifs, birds and running animals, cloud bands and exaggerated serrated leaf motifs, all placed symmetrically in relation to the central axis, see Yetkin, (1978) pp.8-40; & Vol. I, plates 1-23. Many of the later 19th century or 20th century copies made in either the Caucasus or the Balkans, are of a different colour palette to the earlier pieces, and most are mirror image designs, as opposed to the ascending directional pattern of the originals.  Theodore Tuduc (b.1888 – d.1983, fl.1930's) was a renowned carpet restorer, then 'copyist' of Classical rugs, never signed, as designed to imitate. His forgeries rather than being dismissed have become pieces of historical interest. See Ionescu (2012), pp.122-125, for examples of the design of the present rug, inspired by the original published in Bode & Kühnel (1914), pl. 50. 

For two direct comparables with the same design, colouration and border type, see a Tuduc ‘dragon’ rug, mid 20^th century (254 by 140cm), see Sotheby’s, New York, 14  April 2016, lot 668, Provenance: Doris Blau, New York, Acquired from Blau by Alfred A. Taubman and virtually identical example, circa 1930 (319 by 181cm), Sotheby’s, London, 1 November 2016, lot 23.  

Yetkin (1978): Yetkin, Şerare, Early Caucasian Carpets in Turkey, Vol. II, Oguz Press Ltd, London, 1978, Chp. I, Dragon Carpets, pp.8-40; & Vol. I, plates 1-23.

Ionescu (2012): Ionescu, Stefano, Handbook of Fakes by Tuduc – World’s most famous rug forger, Fourth edition, published on occasion of Volkmann-Treffen Symposium, October 2012, Berlin, pp.122-125.

Bode & Kühnel (1914): Bode, Wilhelm & Kühnel, Ernst, Vorderasiatische Knüpfteppiche aus älterer Zeit, 2nd revised edition, Leipzig, 1914, pl.50.