An Azerbaijan silk embroidery, South Caucasus

worked in satin stitch and stem stitch

B.C. Holland, Chicago

Silk embroidery on a natural linen ground. Some oxidized browns with some restitched. Some scattered small losses mostly to oxidized browns. Small pinholes. Losses to outer edges particularly on the right side. Some restitching to other colors besides the browns but not extensive. Remnants of original outer edges on three sides. Stretched and mounted on linen.
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 scheme of a bold central medallion flanked by cartouches in this embroidery is shared with the renowned Schürmann/Herrmann/Kirchheim figural embroidery, see Ulrich Schürmann, Caucasian Rugs, Munich, 1964, no. 138, pp. 350-351; Eberhart Herrmann, Seltene Orientteppiche, vol. X, Munich, 1988, cover; and Heinrich Kirchheim et al, Orient Stars, Stuttgart and London, 1993, pl. 42, pp. 68-69.   In the interior decoration of the medallion, the four jagged split leaves are similar to those in another Azerbaijan embroidery also published by all of the above, see Schürmann, op.cit., pl. 139; Herrmann, op.cit., pl. 41; and Kirchheim, op. cit., pl. 44.  These jagged leaves are also found in the medallions of some pile rugs from the region, for a contemporaneous example, 'The New York Medallion and Pendant Design Rug,' Kirchheim, ibid, pl. 83 and for a later nineteenth century weaving, Eberhart Herrmann, Von Konya bis Kokand, Munich, no. 29, p.75.