A Beluchi Prayer Rug, Beluchistan

Mounted onto cream silk ground on stretcher. Dense 2mm pile generally, with some minor areas down to foundation where brown has oxidised, see right and left side of niche to surround and within the narrow banded edging of the niche, and in areas across the centre of the panel. Some minor areas down to foundation in the camel ground of main field. The flat weave end guards, with sections missing (visible from the photograph), and in the lower end guard the ivory coloured warp threads only are visible where dark brown would have been as stepped lozenge motifs within the design. Minor oxidisation to the brown in the flat weave, visible as flecks of the light warp threads. There are three holes and small horizontal split in area near the top of the left side of the niche in the top left quadrant, and approximately nine further small holes in the lower section of the panel, some larger than others, with the silk mount visible underneath. Due to losses to sides and ends, only a small section on the left side shows evidence of the original side cords, and based on the extent of the flat weave remaining, there is no section of the original overlocked end. Appears to be natural camel wool for camel coloured ground. Very pretty piece.
"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 a comparable camel ground prayer rug, dated to first half 19th century, 2ft. 1in. by 3ft. 6in., Collection of Mark Hopkins, see Dodds & Eiland, Oriental Rugs from Atlantic Collections, Philadelphia Eighth ICOC, Inc., Philadelphia, 1996, pg.254, pl. 316. Both the present lot and example cited above depict a double headed bird patterned with a cloudband, from which an ornate shrub sprouts as the main field design.