A Bordjalou Kazak rug, West Caucasus

Overall measurements: 158cm across the top, 166cm across the bottom, 204cm along left side, 206cm along right side (Irregularly shaped) Lustrous, intensely coloured wool; pile with differential corrosion, indigo, red and green pile approximately 5 - 7mm in depth, other colours slightly lower; oxidisation to dark browns and to the aubergine with knot heads visible and some localised repiling to the oxidised areas; fold line in lower left hand corner across inner guard stripe extending from border along edge of field, approximately 35cm in total length, with some repiling along its length; two minor areas of repiling in the red field (probably old moth damage), one 1cm sq., the other irregularly shaped 3 by 5 cm at extremities; cobbled repair in left hand border in lower part of yellow hooked medallion 2 by 3cm; small number of scattered very minor spot repiling elsewhere; minor spotting; slight losses to corners on lower edge, neither edge is overlocked; sidecords need attention. Would benefit from some judicious conservation and a clean, but a stunning 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."

An intense, vibrant piece and a wonderful example of what weavers in the 19th century Kazak region were capable of. The crisp definition given by the ivory zigzag ground between the double hooked, demi-hexagonal, motifs is striking. The thickness and lustre of the wool is memorable as indeed is the strength of the dyes in this outstanding rug.

A very fine and colourful example of a Bordjalou using similar triangular minor borders, hooked main border and madder field with three hooked rhomb can be seen in Herrmann. E., Seltene Orientteppiche VII, Germany, 1985, p. 62. pl. 24. A further work, likewise with rich colouring and bold border design, can be seen in Schurmann, U., Caucasian Rugs, England, 1974, pp. 76 - 77, pl. 11. For a related example which sold at auction, see Sotheby's, London, 27 April 2005, lot 9. 

See lot 48 for another example of a Bordjalou.