A BERGAMA PRAYER RUG, WEST ANATOLIA |

Pile overall fair with knot tails approximately 1-2mm in length and knot bars just visible in most cases. As clearly visible in the image online, and just visible as a lighter strip in the printed illustration, there is a rewoven section in the banded kilim at the top end of the rug that extends into the yellow guard stripe beneath it. A similar much smaller repair to the kilim is in the lower end of the rug. The fringing appears to be later, to unify the repaired and original sections of kilim. There are some restorations to the green and red sidecords, very well executed and just visible in the zoomed online illustration as a slighter lighter green (see lower right end level with lower border). There is a minute area of repiling at the tip of the niche in the white (3 by 5 knots),a nd a couple more equally small repairs in the red of the field. There is also some black marking on the reverse of the niche which shows through in a couple of places on the face (just visible in the illustrations). A very pretty piece with lively colour and beautifully resolved drawing in the border.
"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 Christie's East, New York, 22 January 1991, Lot 122 for a comparable to this rare type, with closely related spandrel design, "[...] a geometrical, confronted motif which recalls a Simourgh or bird-like figure, with long feathery tail.  The flowing border with sinuous elevation motif representing the moon observation." EH