Posted by Yon Bard on December 18, 1998 at 08:15:43:
Many of you have expressed disdain for #1, some criticizing it for looking as though it had been cut to pieces and put together again. Well, if you look at Cassin and Hoffmeister no. 38, labeled 'Ersari Ensi Fragment, you'll see that in fact it has been cut and put together again. Like all its relatives it must have originally had two mihrabs one on top of the other, but about one third of the rug was cut out of the center, and the top and bottom were rejoined. Originally its size was about the same as its relatives (so much for small ensis!). When I imagine the piece as it must have looked originally (perhaps someone can reconstruct it on the computer? I am too lazy to do it myself) I conclude that it was a very charming piece. Much as I like #2 (and I do like it), given the choice I'd pick a complete version of #1, because of its greater looseness and its rare, perhaps unique, features.
Regards, Yon