The Wollheim collection;
Rippon Boswell, Wiesbaden, 3 December 2016, lot 5.

Overall measurements: 114cm across the top, 111cm across the bottom, 132cm the left hand side, 132cm the right hand side. Pile generally fair, mainly to knotbars, but with several large areas of reweaving including lower border projecting into field and including column bases, including first cartouche on right hand side and first two and a half cartouches on right hand side, red cartouche in centre of upper border and end of the blue cartouche to its right are rewoven, as is a section of the upper end of the field including three of the four columns to a depth of approximately 25cm in the field are rewoven. Sideguards to left and right including sections to the edge of the border are rewoven. Additional photographs of the reverse are available from the department. From the face the rug reads quite successfully. Restorations are visible when you know where to look. Condition is reflected in estimate.
"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."

Dietrich and Senta Wollheim built their fabulous collection during the 1960's and 70's. Dietrich's interest in the ancient civilisations of ancient Mesopotamia was the initial basis of their collection, earlier carpet acquisitions were often by mistake! They however developed a deep regard for the field and also strong relationships with noted collectors and dealers of the time, including Ulrich Schurmann, from whom they purchased lot 31. As with other collectors considered ahead of their time, such as Christopher Alexander, the Wollheim's did not consider condition to be of the upmost importance, the items 'had to meet their very own ideas of beauty and collectibility; a special aura was a decisive factor in purchasing decisions' Rippon Boswell, Wiesbaden, 3 December 2016.