Posted by Michael Wendorf on December 18, 1998 at 18:58:47:
In Reply to: Check Out This Fragment posted by Irwin Kirsch on December 18, 1998 at 18:22:25:
: Dear Steve:
: This 3'x2'1" Kuba Alpan fragment is from the Harold Keshishian collection and is illustrated as Plate 30 from his exhibition catalog, "The Treasure Of The Caucasus".
: While I am not a collector of fragments, you'll have to admit that this is a beautiful and powerful piece even though its bottom half, main border, and outer guard stripe is missing. The design and color balance is magnificent. This should make your short fragment list for "reaching for my VISA card".
: The colors look better in person and although it's been two years since I've seen it, this piece came right to mind after reading your post.
: Regards,
: Irwin
Dear Irwin: my recollection of this piece is that it has fusine or another bad dye. Here is otherwise an example of a rug that has numerous complete counterparts. Whether my recollection on the dye is right or wrong, here I agree with Steve. There is nothing rare enough or old enough or inspired enough (the drawing seems well handled but standard) to make me covet the piece though I would doubtless take it if it fell into my hands as it did into Harold's.
Regards, Michael