A Talish rug, Southeast Caucasus

Measurements 118cm wide across the top, 118cm. across the bottom, 226cm long left side, 229cm long right side. Pile overall good, approximaely 3-4mm deep. Some oxidisation to the browns, visible in the abrash across the lower section of the main field, and to areas in the top border. Repairs to the brown outer border. Both ends lacking outer red/green and brown outer border, and lower end now with thick bright red overcasting. Top end overlocked. Sections of the overcasting of side cords replaced. Some repairs across the width in the centre (from old fold line or join), with the repair being across the brown horizontal stripe and level with it extending into the cream and salmon in the borders. Some small repairs to edges in top left corner edge, and edge between rosettes six and seven down from top, and some small repairs to rosettes three, five and seven down left side. Flexible handle. Specialist Comment: Beautifully balanced design, and space between all the elements, especially in the border. Striking indigo field with asymmetric charming motifs, set within striking yellow edging. Very attractive piece. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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 very similar Talish rug, 19^th century (248 by 106cm), with three small square motifs in the narrow blue field with yellow surround, see Herrmann, Eberhart, Seltene Orientteppiche, Munich, 1985, Vol. VII, No.35, pp.86-87.