A KAZAK RUG, WEST CAUCASUS |

Sotheby's, New York, 1 April 2003, lot 3

Overall measurements: 160cm across the top, 162cm across the bottom, 178cm the left hand side, 175cm the right hand side. Overall in very good condition. Pile gen 3-5mm, with some partial oxidisation to dark browns and partial oxidisation to knotbars in the whites in the upper part of the medallion and upper part of border. Some restoration to end finishes at upper end and minor repairs to braided end finishes at lower end. Sidecords probably restored. Condition prior to restoration is visible in photograph in the New York 2003 sale catalogue listed in the provenance. Rare design with very nice proportions. Lovely lucid red ground.
"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."

The original source for the medallion was probably a Caucasian blossom carpet, itself inspired by works such as the preceding lot, the Khorossan carpet, lot 106. "A pretty rare Kazak, taking up earlier Caucasian designs in the space-filling medallion, accompanied by 13 pre-Islamic dogs, number 13 being the key number for the definition of the ecliptic angle." (EH)