Ivory ground Keyhole Niche Design Rug
N°
00705
Period
Circa 1880
Origin
Anatolia
Status
Sold
Size
108 cm x 87 cm3'6" x 2'10"
On this quite unique, miniature size west Anatolian prayer rug the keyhole pattern is taken to its extreme stylisation, becoming a geometric directional element occupying the central field section. This is flanked by motifs which are arranged in such way as to reinforce the niche design, although the direction of weaving curiously follows the direction of the niche. The use of ivory for the background of both the field and border together with the pure geometry of the pattern contribute in imparting a particularly archaic appearance to the composition.
- Warp: wool, ivory
- Weft: wool, clusters in rust and dark brown, 2-5 shots between knotted rows
- Knot: symmetrical, weaving direction is adjacent to niche, no warp depression
- Knot count: 5H x 4V = 20 knots/square inch
- Selvages: flat, two sets of paired warps
- Ends: bottom missing, top with original brown and red striped weft-faced plain weave
- Colours: ivory, brick red, copper, brown, teal blue, medium green (6)
- Condition: very good, in full pile; a small rewoven area in the upper flat-woven end
Emil Mirzakhanian, Milano; Armando Tretti Clementoni Collection, Brescia