An Azerbaijan silk embroidery, South Caucasus

worked in satin stitch and running stitch

Galerie J. Ostler, Munich

Hali, issue 28, p. 101

Silk embroidery on natural linen ground. Oxidized dark browns with losses exposing linen ground in areas and with later stitching. One area is basically left unrestored, as visible in catalogue illustration. Red ground with oxidation and now with later restitching in areas. Some scattered minor spot stains. One end with applied linen banding. Stretched and mounted on natural 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 dominant medallion of this embroidery where the tips meet the side borders is an unusual feature and is also found on an embroidery in the David Collection, Copenhagen, see Jennifer Weardon, “A Synthesis of Contrasts,” Hali, issue 59, fig. 7, p. 106.  An endless repeat design suggested by the partial medallions at each end of the field is found on an embroidery in the Victoria and Albert Museum, see Weardon, ibid, fig. 12, p. 108; another in the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest, see Zsuzsa Gombos, "Azerbaijan," Hali, issue 26, p. 29; and one published by Michael Franses, Textile Art of the Caucasus, London, 1996, pl. 4.