'Der Grassteppiche' A Bergama rug, West Anatolia early 19th century

the horizontal bands with diagonally separated sections enclosing rosettes and with red and white barber pole edging, alternating with horizontal bands of blue loose threads creating marked relief across the field, within border design similar to the horizontal bands, with barber pole guards and yellow outer guard

The Bernheimer Family Collection of Carpets, Christie's, London, 14 February 1996, lot 170
Acquired 19 November 1909, as an 'alter Bergamos'

Otto Bernheimer, Alte Teppiche des 16 bis 18 Jahrhunderts der Firma L. Bernheimer, Munich, 1959, pl. 51

Overall measurements: 131cm across the top, 135cm across the bottom, 174cm along left side, 175cm along right side Generally even 5mm pile overall. The blue horizontal stripes with blue long loose pile, are against bands of either yellow or red flat weave. There are two tufts of purple within the top horizontal band and within fifth band up from lower edge. The top purple area has small area of repair in yellow to the yellow flatweave below (approx. 2 by 6cm wide - almond shaped). There is madder flatweave at both ends with some losses, especially at corners, and not overlocked at either end. Along the top end the losses of flatweave extend into the pile of end guard. Losses at tips of corners top right and bottom right, and rewoven flatweave in corners, top left and bottom left. Both ends needs overlocking. There is an area in top left, far edge where outer border had been rewoven (approx. 18cm. by 6cm) and other further down the left side, in the lower left corner and to the border (11cm by 4cm). Largely original side cords, with some sections repaired. There are some areas where pile lacking and foundation warp threads are visible, for example in the second horizontal band of pile and the third band, towards the centre and on the fourth blue band up from the lower edge, towards right side there is a small area with foundation warps showing (visible from reverse). There are also small vertical tension tucks visible in the horizontal pile bands, for example to centre of third band up from lower edge. Very decorative 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."