GHIORDES PRAYER RUG Western Turkish Antique Rug

It is almost unfathomable to discover a rug of such subdued virtuoso artistry that is still in fantastic condition relative to its extremely substantial age. 19th-century Ghiordes, such as this from western Anatolia, occupy an even rarer position on the market than other Turkish types. In the field, an unadorned expanse of rich indigo blue is finely textured by abrash color striations. At the bottom, miniature vases sponsor spiky sprigs and blossoms. Tiny carnations fringe the inner border and stepped mihrab. Overhead, serrated flowers explode like fireworks on a mossy green ground while narrow rectangular cartouches above and below offer a window view of cloudbands engulfing red poppy flower heads. The dazzling, tiny tulip-studded cane design of the border frames an extraordinarily exotic collection of exceptionally rare natural dyes — citrine, earthy terra cotta, with mulberry reds and carmine are all present. Miraculously, at approximately two centuries of age, this ancient survival has retained moderate pile throughout.