Lot Essay
This rug is one of a very small and clearly defined group with similar medallions on a white ground. Two very similar examples have been published in Germany (Volkmann Martin: Alt Orientallische Teppiche: Ausgewählte Stcke deutscher Privatsammlungen, Munich, 1985, no.57, pp.146-7; and Hermann, E.: Seltene Orientteppiche VII, Munich, 1985, pp.74-5). Three of the group are prayer rugs (Denny, Walter B. and Walker, D. (intro. by): The Markarian Album, Cincinatti, 1988, pl.39; Wechsler's, Washington D.C., 16 October 1993, lot 24 (noted in HALI 72, December 1993/January 1994, p.125); and Sotheby's New York, 18 May 1985, lot 35). Two further examples have two medallions (Sotheby's New York, 7 April 1992, lot 51; and Sotheby's London, 15 October 1980, lot 149, re-offered 12 January 1983, lot 151). While the Hermann piece has a date which is illegible, that in the Markarian Collection is very clearly dated AH 1273 (1856-7 AD), while that sold in Washington bears a date of AH 1275 (1858-9 AD), confirming the proposed dating on the present rug.