the field with stepped mihrab of blue, madder, ivory and brown, each with two polychrome rosettes, with a coffee border with polychrome stars

106cm across the top; 106cm across the bottom; 152cm to the left; 152cm to the right. This is a charming rug of bold design and colour. Pile varies from 6-10mm, but is matted down and extremely dirty, with browns oxidised. The ends are worn throughout, particularly in the top right hand corner. A section measuring approx. 35cm in length has been re-weaved in the bottom left hand corner. The side cords are distressed or repaired with foundation cords exposed in sections, for example on the left hand side. There is a section of re-weaving top right hand side approx. 63cm in length and a further section on the opposing lower quadrant measuring approx. 68cm in length. In each case the re-weaving extends into the main border, on the right by approx. 9cm and the left by approx. 6cm. There is a hole in the main border approx. 3cm, found in the upper right hand quadrant, with the original foundation still attached but loose. Two smaller holes can be found in the lower right hand quadrant. In the field there is a small section where the foundation is exposed in the top of the lower left quadrant and similarly in the lower section of the upper right hand quadrant. There is a split, approx. 4cm. in the lower mid-section and further small holes throughout. There is a section of abrash running through the middle of the field horizontally. This rug needs a thorough clean and would benefit from some stabilisation/restoration.
"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 example with very similar field design and motifs, colouring, inner and outer borders see Aslanapa. O,. One Thousand Years of Turkish Carpets, pl. 120, p. 166, Istanbul, 1988,

Possibly acquired by Richard Monckton Milnes, 1st Baron Houghton or Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe in the late 19th or early 20th century