A Kazakh Rug, Southwest Caucasus

119cm across the top, 121cm across the bottom, 136cm along the left hand side, 141cm along the right hand side. Dense lustrous soft wool with flexible handle. Generally even 3mm pile overall with some minor oxidisation and commensurate reduction in height to the browns. Some areas of low pile within the ivory main field revealing red warp threads - as visible from the photograph. There are two yellow marks in the lower right and left quadrant in the ivory field, again visible in the photograph, and some very small marks in other areas of the field. Top end with original flatweave and knotted end guard with section in top left corner lacking and a small section of later knotting in top right corner. Lower end with vestiges of original flatweave and warp fringing, now overlocked. Sidecords largely original, with small sections of re-piling to the edges and re-overcasting for example centre and top right along the right side and top left far corner. A dramatic well balanced rug with harmonious colouring and particularly charming green.
"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."

Eberhart Herrmann published two comparable examples, with the same double layered green and madder hooked medallion, against an ivory rectangular and serrated edged panel and madder outer ground, along with the distinctive narrow borders of azure blue with running pattern of small small quatrefoils or spheres,  The first Kazak, 19th century (152 by 106cm), has the same outer ziz-zag border as the offered example, and differs in the ivory ground medallion having a prayer niche, and the madder central medallion incorporating a male and female figure, see Seltene Orientteppiche, Munich, 1986, Vol. VIII, Cat. No. 21, pp.58-59, and for the second example, circa 1900 (130 by 120cm) see Kaukasische Teppichkunst im 19. Jahrhundert ein bilderbuch, Munich, 1993, Cat. No. 54, p.70.