In this category I list recently acquired pieces of all groups and sizes for a duration of maximum 4 months after arrival, thereafter they appear in their respective sections. More images of any lot available on request. Updated 23/1/2020.
Heriz carpets never fell out of favour with all the daft interior fashion swings in recent years and now they are back as universally the strongest in demand of all decorative carpets. They "work" in most settings, creating an immediate warmth and casual feel-good effect that none other seem to match.
This early piece features a range of subtle, soft colours, including a sought after faded sky blue. In very good condition showing only a few small patches of slight, natural surface wear. No repairs other than securements at each short end with 2-3 knot rows missing, original side cords. A highly decorative carpet of a sought after size at a modest price.
€5500
Silk Ikats were, together with Suzanis, the most prestigious textiles in 19th C Uzbeci society. The quality of a person's ikats - be they clothing or hangings - reflected the person's standing in the community.This early example was woven in 4 widths joined together, rarely matching each other in design details which was apparently acceptable, if not desirable. Each panel was made up of finely woven pre-dyed sections using a complex process known as resist-dyeing.
Ikats of this size and format make formidable wall hangings, if stretched up in gallery display fashion they sit very well in the company of contemporary art, at a fraction of the price. In very good condition throughout, only a small area of slight wear in lower left corner, the original backing cloth present. A better image will be posted shortly.
€2500
A beautiful tribal rug from a time when the Quashq'ai nomads were gradually abandoning their ancient nomadic lifestyle in favour of becoming sedentary villagers, perhaps only taking small migratings during the hottest season. The earliest examples were often masterpieces of tribal art, now fetching huge prices at international auctions, whereas a piece of this vintage and background is still highly affordable.
The rug has clearly been cherished by its previous owners, kept in superb condition with original kilims and side cords still intact, in near full pile throughout and a gorgeous, supple handle.
€4800
I have a vivid recollection of buying this rug. The weaver Gulseren Kus was half way through the rug on her loom which was located on the first floor, her cow and a few sheep living downstairs. One look at the quality of weave and above all the inspired play with colours as seen in the borders and secondary field motifs, made the decision easy. This is what the earlier DOBAG pieces were about, later examples often being more planned and sterile.
Now 20 years old, having been carefully minded by its first owners, it has acquired a sheen and softness of the colours that only time, and gentle use, can bring about. Signed G.K. A real collector's piece and fit for at least another generation of floor wear.
€3200
I began buying rugs from the DOBAG project in 1989 and this piece was the first runner found in the Yunt Dag co-op. Thirty years later it has found its way back to me, having been carefully minded by its first owners, hence its condition is absolutely perfect throughout. Full pile, original sides and kilims ends, the only thing that is missing is the leather label but the original certificate is still there.
Well drawn, decorative and ready for at least another 30 years on the floor, signed H.D. and dated 89.
€2300
A nice example of the early rug production in Abadeh where local weavers took their inspiration from tribal rugs woven by the Quashq'ai who regularly bartered their wares in the bazaar. Two designs became the Abadeh favourites, one of repeated vases known as Zil-i-Soltan and the other seen here featuring a classical Quashq'ai 1 + 4 medallion design.
Tightly woven, good natural colours, very slight but even wear, complete at ends and sides and free of repairs. A rare and much sought after middle size, slightly larger than regular dozar pieces from Persia. A very appealing rug.
€SOLD
A very beautiful and hugely decorative Heriz carpet featuring a range of warm and light natural colours, giving the carpet a very "happy" feel. In exceptional condition with near full pile throughout, original side cords and end finishes intact, free of repairs or alterations. A much sought after style of carpet suitable for any location and setting, at good value given its popularity. More pics available on request.
€7500
This runner, the last of the three acquisitions from the private Boehmer collection, features an unusual design which the weavers called "yeni desin" (new design. The diagonal grid of hexagons enclose a flower head reminiscent of the Persian "mina khani", inside two traditional borders.
This one has never seen the light of day since 2001, hence its colours are as they were when the rug was cut down from the loom.
The colours will improve and mellow significantly with age, and plenty of use, gradually to acquire the glow and lustre of older DOBAGs. Signed G.C., Y for Yunt Dag, dated 2001.
€SOLD
A beautifully designed piece woven "freestyle" at a time when the once nomadic Quashq'ai had begun to settle into village life. The field is gracefully outlined, containing a myriad of flowers and vines, all part of an obscure Tree-of-Life idea.
Well woven with thick, hard wearing pile, good non-fugitive natural dyes, free of repairs, original sides intact. All that's missing are the narrow kilim finishes at both ends. A good, hard wearing rug set to last for generations to come.
€SOLD
Silk Ikat tie-dyed fabrics were the most prestigious textiles (together with Suzanis) in 19th century Uzbec society. The quality of your Ikat reflected your standing in the community, the fabrics used both for robes, gowns and decorative wall hangings.
This sumptuous piece was woven in 5 widths of a total of 10 ikat panels joined together, each panel made up of finely woven pre-dyed sections. They make powerful, individually unique wall hangings, ideal in settings requiring evocative, decorative and colourful statements. In excellent condition with its original Russian printed backing fabric intact.
€SOLD
A very decorative Karadja with the traditional shield medallion design, here drawn "freestyle" as against following a rigid cartoon as became the norm in later examples. Each medallion has different (natural) colour combinations, the entire piece displaying charm and spontaneity.
The piece is complete with original kilim ends, side cords and near full pile throughout, the only repairs found at one short end where a small amount of old moth nibbles have been repiled. A handsome runner of a very useful size, in good condition.
€SOLD
Suzanis were the work of Uzbec village women in preparation for marriage. The quality of the Suzani gave an indication of the bride's artistic merit and commercial worthiness in future married life. It was displayed during the week long wedding celebrations and thereafter stored away, perhaps only to be displayed at anniversaries.
This rare and beautiful Suzani displays a dazzling and luxuriant grid of flowering plants enclosed in a diagonal diamond grid of what looks like twigs. None of the various flower arrangements are the same, only similar, showing a highly creative mind on part of the designer/weaver.
This early piece belongs to a rare group of only a few documented examples, the most striking one sold at auction in Germany in 2015 for € 19000 plus fees (Rippon Boswell, Vok Collection, Pl 68). This piece is in very good condition for its considerable age, showing only minor spots of wear along the top end border plus some visible threads on the back lining.
€SOLD
