Rug with Opposing Coupled Column Niches
N°
00691
Period
Circa 1700
Origin
Konya, Central Anatolia
Status
Sold
Size
265 cm x 193 cm8'8" x 6'4"
When I first saw this rug opened on the parterre of the Motel Capri in San Francisco I thought I was having visions. I don’t remember ever seeing this niche configuration before. Clearly not intended as a communal prayer rug, as both worshippers would be praying towards each other, it must have otherwise been commissioned for a special occasion as the large format is unique as well for this period. The generously spaced ivory border displays a geometric meander motif, complete of corner solutions, which testifies to the great age of the rug, linking it to earliest manifestations of Anatolian weaving.
- Warp: wool, ivory
- Weft: wool, tan, 2-3 shots between knotted rows
- Knot: symmetrical, no warp depression
- Knot count: 5H x 6V = 30 knots/square inch
- Selvages: missing
- Ends: missing
- Colours: light red, teal green, medium blue, light yellow, mustard yellow, dark aubergine, dark brown, ivory (8)
- Condition: small areas of old conservation although basically unrestored, visible areas of wear with associated holes; sides and ends are stabilised, the central section is conserved with light grey cotton backing