A KHOTAN RUG, EAST TURKESTAN |

‘coffered gül pattern’, with ‘cloudhead’ motif, symbolic of light and dark

Overall measurements: 105cm across the top, 103cm across the bottom, 190cm the left hand side, 187cm the right hand side. Pile generally fair between 3-4mm. Ends have been restored, with end flatweave and fringing later. Minor areas of re-piling scattered throughout field, which has been very well executed and is only discernible from the reverse. Rug reads coherently and is a rare and early design.
"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 elaboration on the ‘coffered gül pattern’ and discussion of the motifs used, and their symbolism, see Bidder (1979) pp.43-85, 57-64, fig. 8, & plate XII.2, and pp.64-74. For an interesting example of the octagonal design type in an early silk dais cover with geometric recurring Buddhist swastika character border, Ninghsia, Ming period, circa 1600 (380 by 365cm); Formerly Frank Michaelian Collection, New York, see Franses (1997) p.92, fig. 9. For an example with a comparable field design, incorporating the 'cloudhead' motif, and a multi-coloured Indian influenced Yün Tsai T'ou border type, 18th century, see Herrmann (1988), pp. 242 & 243, no. 115.

Bidder (1979): Bidder, Hans, Carpets from Eastern Turkestan, Washington International Associates, Tübingen, 1979, Chp.III, The Khotan Carpets, pp.43-85, C., 3., ‘The coffered gül pattern’, pp.57-64, fig. 8, & plate XII.2, and C., 4. Old Turkish motifs and borders, Hellenistic, Buddhist and Chinese influences, pp.64-74.

Franses (1997): Franses, Michael, Fengruan rutan: Silk pile covers from Western China’, Fourth Hali Annual, London, 1997, p.92, fig. 9.

Herrmann (1988): Herrmann, Eberhart, Seltene Orientteppiche X, Munich, 1988, pp. 242 & 243, no. 115.