Shahsevan Cruciform Sumac Bag

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A SHAHSAVAN SOUMAC BAGFACE, SOUTH CAUCASUS,

New York 7,000—9,000 USD Session 1
10 Apr 02 10:15 AM

MEASUREMENTS
approximately 1ft. 10in. by 1ft. 10in. (0.56 by 0.56m.)

DESCRIPTION
last quarter 19th century spot stains, ends fraying slightly,

The emblematic design, range and use of color executed in a fine weave as found here are characteristics of the best of Shahsavan soumac work. For related examples with a similar field design please see Rippon Boswell & Co., Wiesbaden, October 2, 1999, lot 16 and Kirchheim, Heinrich, et al., Orient Stars, Stuttgart and London, 1993, pl. 41; Eberhart Herrmann, Seltene Orientteppiche, VIII, Munich, 1986, pl. 53b; and for two examples sharing also the hatch motif border with this lot, please see Dodds, D. and Eiland, M., eds., Oriental Rugs from Atlantic Collections, Philadelphia, 1996, pl. 98; and Bags, Sotheby's calendar 1991, "March."

http://search.sothebys.com/jsps/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?lot_id=3MY27

The Anonymous Experts comments:

"A couple of comments. Lot 50 is quite nicely drawn, very comparable to the Swan bag. Lot 50 also has two human figures and two more animals. Rather than barberpoles, Lot 50 has ribbon borders flanking the main border, much as is ordinarily found on the "beetle bags," which are related to these cruciform bags. I notice that Lot 50 does not have a purple or aubergine in it, as the Swan bag does. The four triangles (they look like arrows) in the top half of the bag on the ivory ground look to me as if they may have been dyed with fuchsine, as they now have that grayish-brown appearance of faded fuchsine. Many collectors are willing to accept small amounts of fuchsine, others still do not. Given the choice, I would prefer not to have it."

"Nevertheless, the image indicates this to be a very attractive and desirable bag. The nuance of the color may make a difference in the price it realizes. Sotheby's refers to the Kirchheim bag (not as well drawn, but with the back still attached) which fetched $25,000 at his big sale in 1999. Unless there is something that can't be seen from this image (restoration or undesirable color, for example), I think the estimate for Lot 50 is conservative. Lot 49 is complete and done in reverse sumak, but lacks the power in the drawing. Thanks again for bringing this to my attention."

End of Anonymous comments.

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