A 'Dragon' style carpet, probably Theodore Tuduc, Romania

Overall measurements: 178cm across the top, 181cm across the bottom, 318cm along left side, 319cm along right side Overall fair condition pile generally 2mm in depth with some areas of localised wear with some minor areas with knotbars visible and tension lines principally in the upper 60cm of the carpet. Would probably benefit from a professional clean and having the ends secured as in places the flatwoven end finishes are now missing. Original sidecords.
"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."

See Serare Yetkin, Early Caucasian Carpets in Turkey, Vol. II, Oguz Press Ltd, London, 1978, Chp. I, Dragon Carpets, pp.8-40, for comprehensive discussion and illustration of the development of the distinguishable group of ‘Dragon carpets’, with the characteristic features of the dragon, birds and running animals, cloud bands and exaggerated serrated leaf motifs, all placed symmetrically in relation to the central axis. For a comparable early example for the present lot, is a fragment from a larger carpet found in Damascus by Theodor Graf (no longer in existence, as largely destroyed by fire in 1945), Islamisches Museum, Berlin (approx. 678 by 230cm), ibid. Cat. no. 118. Many of the later 19th century or 20th century copies made in either the Caucasus or the Balkans, are of a different colour palette to the earlier pieces, and most are mirror image designs, as opposed to the ascending directional pattern of the originals.  Theodore Tuduc (fl.1930's) was a renowned carpet restorer, then 'copyist' of Classical rugs, never signed, as designed to imitate.