A Shirvan Karagashli long rug, East Caucasus

Overall measurements: 124cm across the top, 137cm across the bottom, 289cm along left side, 289cm along right side An early example with lustrous wool and good range of lovely, lucid colours; pile dense and even, closely sheared, approximately 2mm overall, with minor oxidisation to the blacks. The rug is quite puckered along the sides and there are several old reweaves along the fold lines, some of these old reweaves on the left hand side have colour run. There are half a dozen minor reweaves scattered through the field. The rug would benefit from some judicious attention to these old restorations as they slightly distract from the lovely wool and colours of the rug. If you are unable to inspect the piece in person and would like photographs of the various repairs, please request these via the department c/o Stephanie.Douglas@sothebys.com
"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."

This is an early and dated example of the Karagashli design with lustrous wool and good range of lovely, lucid colours.  The classic design for the group is with lozenge medallions and two pendant outer feathered palmettes typically madder coloured, as seen in published works such as Schurmann, Ulrich, Caucasian Rugs, Germany, 1974, pp. 196 - 197, pl. 66 and also Lot 11 in this sale. The present example, and Lot 47 in this sale show variations of these pendant medallions.

For further examples of Shirvan Karagashlis' within this sale see lots 13 and 47.