A BORDERS woman was left amazed after her ‘well-worn’ rug fetched just under £11,000 at auction.

The large vintage Turkish Oushak rug, decorated with ‘The Tree of Life’, went under the hammer at Browns in Jedburgh this month.

It was given a modest estimate due to its condition after spending ‘many years on a rather damp and well-trodden floor’.

But the 140-year-old ‘hidden gem’ proved to be popular with bidders in the auction house and beyond, eventually making £10,900.

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Browns’ valuer, Angus Milner-Brown, said, “The 140-year-old Oushak was decorated in the centre with multiple flower heads within a network of vine-like tendrils, with an unusual teal blue field and with a rather unusual pink and umber border.

“The pink, in particular, had faded and run within the fabric. The wool weft was very worn after years of foot traffic, however despite all this there was enormous private and trade interest.

“The size and rare colouration of the piece is very much in fashion and the carpet literally flew with bidders competing on both the internet and phone.

“It is always lovely to find a hidden gem like this locally and provided a lovely surprise to the vendor.”