A BESHIR PRAYER RUG, MIDDLE AMU DARYA REGION, TURKESTAN |

The pile overall in very good condition , generally 3-5 mm, and in ready to use or display condition. The end zig zag guards and with minor intrusions into the border have been restored, and two sections of the side border and related guard rebuilt, the larger an irregularly shaped reweave 25 by 20cm at extremes and projecting into the field. Additional images showing condition are available on request. This rare rug has lovely colour and drawing.
"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 an comprehensive review of Beshir prayer rugs, a discussion of their origins, and extensive classification of the various types, please refer to Kaffel, Ralph, Beshir Prayer Rugs, Hali 151, Spring 2007, pp.74-83, also available at www.hali.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/151Beshir_3.pdf, together with the classification document, Kaffel, Ralph, Beshir prayer rugs: Classification by design, accessed at: www.hali.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Beshir-Prayer-Rugs-Online.pdf.  The example offered here, on the basis of Kaffel’s categories, is of class 3-D, with flowering shrubs forming the principal decoration in the field.  The borders of the arch and the outer guards are both of ‘cross and circle’ type, with the majority of the rosy-red circles enclosing a yellow centre, so that they resemble flowerheads. The white ground is decorated with small ‘leaf’ motifs and regularly spaced guls flanking the columns of shrubs.