A MUDJUR PRAYER RUG, CENTRAL ANATOLIA |

Rug woven 'upside-down'. Condition notes refer to rug viewed with niche at top. Pile overall generally good, approx. 2-3 mm, with knot-bars just beginning to appear. Slight wear in the white crossband and with minor restorations. Dark walnut brown partially oxidised and with localised red foundation showing through. Lower end corner tips restored in the ribbon outer guard stripe and some minor restorations to end guard, warp fringes, with some minor restorations (visible as brighter white wool), upper end with partially rewoven red plain weave (just visible as a slighter 'bluer' red) and teased fringes (would benefit from being overlocked). Some minor repiling in the green field, expertly done and not visible on face of rug. Very pretty example with gorgeous colour.
"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."

"The striking green colour announces that the niche is in the old beliefs, a gate to a cosmic level, here possibly the Golden Door of the ecliptic where the moon with its symbolic dark blue colour melts with the yellow colour of the stars. Consequently the stepped outline of the mihrab could be read as a stairway to the heavens." EH