A ŞARKIŞLA RUG FRAGMENT, EAST ANATOLIA, SIVAS PROVINCE |

acquired from Gary Muse, London, 1988

Alexander, C., A Foreshadowing of 21^st Century Art The Color and Geometry of Very Early Turkish Carpets, New York, 1993, pp. 154 - 157, ill p. 155.

Polchrome backing 220 by 156cm Colours fair in the printed catalogue. With offset knotting. The pile generally 3 - 4mm dark browns heavily oxidised down to foundation and with holes. Old moth trails scattered throughout, visible from image. Losses on edges and missing upper border. Mounted on a polychrome cotton backing simulating medallion form, weave not inspected but would appear to be in condition as found and then laid onto the present backing. Really good glossy wool, fabulous red.
"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."

In relation to this lot Alexander likens it to Oushak small medallion rugs, Alexander, op cit, p. 154. Certainly some elements within the design concur, for example the lattice or arabesques in the spandrels and  the apparent mirroring of the mihrab. However there are various oddities. The colour tones in red and yellow  liken it to the two fragments sold Sotheby’s London, 7 November 2017, lot 26, and when focusing specifically on the main medallion the designs are almost identical, differing in that the present lot is outlined in green rather than blue. Also in comparison the two works have a very similar foundation, and as Alexander suggests it seems likely they were both made in the same weaving region. However, there are differences - for example not only in the lattice design in the spandrels but also the guards and border designs.  The border ‘flowerheads’, repeated in the spandrels, are similar to those seen in the field design of lot 36. Each work shares similar dyes in red, yellow, blue and green and they seem to draw comparison in design to courtly works - yet they vary in construction. Another anomaly are the little flowerheads in the guards, which in look resemble motifs in the ‘C’ gul  Yomut main carpets. In probability the present lot is from the Sivas region and it has elements which would suggest Şarkışla, however like many of the Alexander pieces it is far from straightforward.