A 'KARAPINAR' RUG FRAGMENT, CENTRAL ANATOLIA |

Pile generally 2 - 3 mm where extant, with some differential oxidisation; aubergine and indigo in very good pile, madder slightly oxidised, taupe more extensively oxidised. Stitched down to backing and backing mounted on metal(?) sheet with hanging frame on reverse. REeady to display.
"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."

This piece, with two medallions and part of an end border, is one of a small group of fragments perhaps originally from the same runner, which relate to the ten-medallion runner now in the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, LNS 21R. Other fragments include the Christopher Alexander fragment with three medallions, ex. Argine Banaki Salvago, sold Sotheby’s London 7 November 2017, Lot 57 and the fragment with two medallions advertised by Ezkenazi in Hali 108, p.57; opinions vary and the group has been dated variously to 16th-18th century.  For detailed discussion of this particular group, please see Hali Issue 195, Spring 2018 APG, p.132.  More extensive discussion of  ‘Karapinar’ rugs as a whole, please see Oakley, Penny, ‘Fact or fiction: ‘Karapinar’ rugs from Central Anatolia’, Hali Issue 166, Winter 2010, pp. 40-51

"Acquired at the time Chris Alexander had published his book A Foreshadowing of 21st Century Art. The Color and Geometry of Very Early Turkish Carpets, New York 1993. It took a while to decipher the geometry in carpets as a result of the observation of the heavens, the foundation of art history." EH