ANTIQUE PRAYER RUG FROM SIVAS (J071)

Description

What a beauty! While we were living in Turkey, a Turkish carpet dealer and good friend of mine, showed up with two old Sivas prayer rugs. He said one was not for sale and he kept it for his personal collection. He offered this one to me, and I couldn't pass. It was made in the late 19th or very early 20th century, it is 100% wool, it measures 2' 11" X 5' 1" and it is in very good condition. The red stepped mirhab, outlined in white, sits on a green field. Hair band motifs decorate the mirhab, and smaller versions decorate each spandrel. Filler motifs include rosettes, plane leaves, stars and flowers. I had a silk sleeve attached to the top back of the rug so it can be hung on the wall. The sleeve can be removed easily without damaging the rug. In 2010 Sotheby's of New York estimated that his rug would bring 0-0 at auction. Obviously, my Turkish carpet dealer felt differently.
All reasonable offers will be considered.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Construction: Wool on Wool
Type Back: Semi-ridged
Type Knot: Turkish
Knot Count: 8 X 8 (3.1 X 3.1)
Knot Density: 64/sq cm (9.9/sq cm)
Weft: Double in multi-colors
Warp: White wool
Selvage: 3 ribs in multi-colors
Kilim: 1 plain green, 1 plain brown
Fringe: White wool braided
Pile: Medium
Damage: Some fringe damage as shown
Repair/Restoration: None