Three carpet fragments, Konya/Karapinar, South Central Anatolia

acquired from Gary Muse, London, 1987

San Francisco, M. H. de Young Museum, The Christopher Alexander Collection, November 1990 - February 1991.

Alexander, C., A Foreshadowing of 21^st Century Art The Color and Geometry of Very Early Turkish Carpets, New York, 1993, pp. 234 - 235, ill pp. 75 & 234 (details), 235 & 349 (shown in the San Francisco M. H. de Young Museum, 1990/91). Alexander. C., 'Early Turkish Rugs A New Way of Looking', Hali, April, 1991, issue 56, p. 119.

The red cotton mount 255 by 100cm. Top panel - 74 by 64cm Middle panel - 125 by 55cm Bottom left panel - 80 by 21cm Pile ranges between and 5mm, with browns oxidised a fully corroded at the lower end. Spectacular colour and quality of wool, the catalogue image is a little hot and light, the colours are richer and more saturated in reality. Back not inspected. A diagram of detailed condition areas can be requested from the department with corresponding notes: 1) Old moth damage, no longer active 2) Circular depression/loss of pile (approx. 2cm in diameter) 3) Areas of more severe oxidisation, visible from photograph 4) Areas of loss to field/foundation Department contact Harry Grenfell - harry.grenfell@sothebys.com +44 (0)20 7293 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."

Alexander ascribes the present lot to the ‘Karapinar District’, Alexander, op cit, p. 234, whilst lot 35 opposite he assigns to Karapinar itself, ibid, p.142. In each case this seems plausible; with regard to the present work elements within the design, some of the colouring and particularly the vibrancy of the white outlines would re-enforce this suggestion – see Beattie. M., ‘Some Rugs of the Konya Region’, Oriental Art, London, Spring, 1976, vol. 22, pp. 60 – 75. Also in comparison with the weave of the Alexander ‘Karapinar’ sold Sotheby’s London, 7 November 2017, lot 65, there is similarity to be found, despite the clear differences in design. Both are finely woven with slightly depressed warps and red wefts, also the blues and reds are of near identical hue.  Shaffer. D., ‘Marketplace’ Hali, issue 194, Winter 2017, p. 135, refers to ex-lot 65 as a Karapinar.   However, whilst the weave characteristics are similar, the design of the present lot may suggest a slightly different weaving centre, although still in the orbit of Karapinar. In reviewing the collection in the Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi, Istanbul, a highly compelling comparable prayer rug surfaced, inv no 725, see Kirchheim, H., op cit, pp. 182 & 183, plate 129. There seems little doubt that this prayer rug, from the Tomb of Alaadin Keykubad, Konya, and the offered lot are from the same, or extremely close, weaving centres, especially when comparing the technical analysis provided, Kirchheim, ibid, p. 231. The present lot and the prayer rug in the TIEM also both share numerous qualities with two works formerly in the Alexander collection, Sotheby’s London, 7 November 2017, lot 63 and most notably lot 64, both catalogued as Konya/South Central Anatolia. All four of these examples share the archaic meandering border, ex lot 64, the TIEM and the present also with flowerheads centred on a star and a vertical scrolling motif. Furthermore these three examples each have a ‘star gul’ motif, the lot sold in 2017 within an octagonal frame and the prayer rug centred by four spandrels, the offered lot with three within lozenges.  Even more comparison can be found in minor motifs and particularly in the colouring. It is also very interesting to see a stylised version of this ‘star gul’ in another ‘Karapinar’ within this sale, lot 45.