A Karagashli rug, Northeast Caucasus

The Bortz Collection, Sotheby's London, May 29, 1998, lot 8

Hali, Issue 101, November 1998, p. 134
Hali, Issue 41, September/October 1988, p. 21

Pile ranges from good, dense 1/8th of an inch to low to knotheads in scattered foldwear areas and some spot foundation in areas of foldwear and some moth damage. Some foldwear repiled. Moth damage mostly to lower third of field and to inner guardborder at around center of carpet on left side. Small 1x1" reweave in right side outer guard border and to left side inner guard border that is approx. 1.5x1.5". Right side outer guard stripe and part of guard border rewoven in approximately 2.5 feet long strip. A 1 inch slit with some losses to pile along right side outer guardborder. Some further smaller similar slits. Sides with original selvages with losses and fraying, particularly along right side where outer guard stripe is now fraying and with some losses. Ends with cloth bands sewn onto reverse. Upper end with velcro on reverse. Upper end with reweave into outer guard border connected to aforementioned long reweave in guardborder and guard stripe. Approximately 1x1" triangular reweave to one corner. Both ends with original flatwoven finish. Fine weave, very supple handle, good color palatte.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The design of this early Karagashli rug, of ascending columns of palmettes supported by bracket leaves, is probably derived from 18th century Caucasian floral carpets, see Serare Yetkin, Early Caucasian Carpets, Volume I, London, 1978, cover, pl.37 and pl.50. The weaving of this example is of fine quality and the wool and dyes are outstanding. An unusually broad range of colors has been employed, resulting in a particularly sophisticated rug.