A LARGE KAZAK KARATCHOP RUG, SOUTHWEST CAUCASUS |

The colours in the catalogue are slightly too acidic: the greens and yellows are richer and prettier in reality. Pile:- there is differential oxidisation of the pile as typical of rugs of this age: the blues are a good 3mm in depth in general, the greens generally 2-3mm, the yellows also generally 2-3mm with some areas of wear to knotheads in the left hand side of the lower panel and some fold lins (just visible in illustration), red pile is generally 1-2mm in depth and the dark browns are oxidised to knotheads and with some spot foundation visible (wefts are blue). Some areas of wear and a couple of small fold lines in the white central panel. Side cords with restorations, end guards rewoven, some restorations in dark browns. A very unusual large scale piece - dramatic and striking. Additional close-up photographs are available on request.
"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."

Embodying "a contrast between a strictly abstract geometrical pattern, containing an arithmetical play between the numbers 8 and 9, and on the other hand easily recognizable mythological animals, here the dog, who in pre-Islamic times carried the soul into the cosmic world after a person passed away, the stag, whose antlers represent the complex geometrical path through the moon levels, and some birds, continuing the northerly path." EH