An Akstafa prayer rug, East Caucasus

Overall measurements: 93cm across the top, 88cm across the bottom, 155cm along left side, 157cm along right side Pile generally good overall 2-4mm, pile slightly lower at lower end of rug in border: Some oxidisation in black highlighgts inner and outer guards. For example see blacks in guard stripes and band of small rosettes at top of mihrab oxidised, in some places to foundation, scattered later cobbling and repiling in a few areas of the black guard stripe outlines, particularly on inner right hand border of approx. 10cm in length, some oxidisation to purplish brown to knot bars; scattered minute repairs in field to tension wear, barely visible on face of rug; upper end with wool warp threads fringed out and overlocking; lower end with warp fringes; losses to outermost outlining of barber pole guard stripe at lower end, end overlocked, small repaired split in centre lower edge approx. 3cm long; sidecords later overcast; gorgeous lucid colours, nice flexible handle, a very attractive rug.
"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 related work which has sold in auction see Sotheby's, New York, 15 December 1994, lot 105; the present lot compares in the use of multicoloured striped field and use of stylised interlocked leaves in the border. For a published work incorporating the striped field see Herrmann, E., Kaukasische Teppichkunst im 19. Jahrhundert - ein Bilderbuch, Germany, 1993, pl.9.

For further examples of Akstafas' within this sale please see lots 1, 11, and 15.