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Lot 98, Damascus checkerboard rug published in Schürmann “Bilderbuch für Teppichsammler” 1960 plate 21 and Schürmann “Oriental Carpets” 1965 page 30
6ft. x 4ft. 7in. Syria dated by Schürmann circa 1600, condition: good,  ...
Lot 98, Damascus checkerboard rug published in Schürmann “Bilderbuch für Teppichsammler” 1960 plate 21 and Schürmann “Oriental Carpets” 1965 page 30 6ft. x 4ft. 7in. Syria dated by Schürmann circa 1600, condition: good, losses to both ends, even low pile, some areas of foundation visible, one small old repair in center field, few other small old repairs, wool warp, wool weft, wool pile Estimate: € 80,000 – 100,000. Since rugs of this type are rarely seen, they are highly prized by collectors. This piece has been published twice, both times by Ulrich Schürmann. It was first published in 1960 as plate 21 in “Bilderbuch fur Teppichsammler” and again in 1965 on page 30 of “Oriental Carpets.” Since Schürmann’s publications, little new has been learned about these rather mysterious rugs. His claim that they were made in Syria is still accepted to this day. He makes a good point by stating that these checkerboard rugs are made from goat hair, while Mamluk and Cairene rugs, which are both partly related, are made from sheep’s wool. It is interesting to note that a checkerboard rug appears as plate 3 in Joseph McMullan’s “Islamic Carpets” from 1965, where it is called Egyptian. Regardless of where these rugs were made, there is a general consensus that they date back to circa 1600. Auction: September 16th 2014 2pm, http://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog_gallery/57235