A MELAS NICHE RUG, WEST ANATOLIA |

Reinhardt Hubel Collection

Overall measurements: 123cm across the top, 123cm across the bottom, 179cm the left hand side, 181cm the right hand side. Pile generally fair, with knotbars just visible throughout. Old reweave in centre of the field to the right of the blue stem between upper blue and white flowers (as visible in the photograph), which would benefit from being redone, as not very well executed. Another smal repair in extreme right point of red field (again as visible in the photograph, and would benefit from being redone). Browns are heavily reoxidised (as visible in the photograph), flat browns visible, especially left hand side and lower edge are repiling, with small repiled nibbles in lower and upper zig-zag edges. Outermost edge of madder zig-zag on right hand side has two columns of knots repiled. Scattered minor restorations elsewhere. Reovercast sidecords. Ends overlocked, and upper end with herringbone tape and hoops for hanging. Would benefit from a clean and judicious redoing of some of the old restorations. Lovely colour, drawing and spacing.
"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."

 "Several exhibition of merit were organised in Munich over the last century, the later ones in the Völkerkunde-Museum; Hans König, Martin Volkmann and Reinhard Hubel were involved. The design in this Melas, formerly in the Hubel collection was botanically called Eremurus [foxtail lily]. Or better, boteh motifs with changing arithmetic?" (EH)