Antique Mid-19th Century Turkmen Tekke Rug

About the Item

Tekke – Central Asia Antique Tekke made in Turkmenistan in the middle of the 19th century. Meticulously hand-woven with soft wool and natural dyes, this rug was part of Leigh Marsh’s famous Turkmen rug collection. The unusual border features geometric figures in the shape of crosses alternated with cruciform motifs. The bottom and top borders (elem) have stylized flowers, giving the rug a warm touch. Circa 1850, this exclusive Tekke is in excellent condition. Of critical importance to collectors, this rug has been exhibited and published. Published: Dodds and Eiland, Jr, eds. Oriental Rugs from Atlantic Collections, p. 170, fig. 189. ICOC, Philadelphia, 1996.Exhibited: “Masterpieces of Turkmen Weaving”, Arthur Ross Gallery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 2003. Provenance: Leigh Marsh Collection. Antique Tekke rugs include details in golden yellow, orange, and ruby red (often woven into red silk) and light blue and green with contrasting colours and outlines of designs in dark blue and brown tones. Today, Tekke rugs of different colours and light shades are rare. A simple, very uniform, dark, bluish-red colour prevails in current pieces. Recently, Tekke rugs of all sizes have appeared on the market. But these reproductions are not made by the Tekke Turkmen. Tekke rugs have a geometric design. The central motifs on the carpet are in the octagonal gul (flower) shape with stylized tulips, leaves, birds and other motifs. Inside the gul some lines intersect vertically and horizontally, dividing it into four sections. The gul design is repeated vertically and horizontally across the field. A network of thin lines longitudinally and transversely, at the intersections of which the guls are placed, creates the checkerboard pattern of the field. The guls are divided into light and dark geometric shapes, and dozens of stylized flowers emerge with small diamond-shaped star motifs. Typically, they have a panel at each end with motifs of flowers, bushes and stars. On the edge is a row of octagons and flowers separated by leaves and vines alternating with palm trees, octagons or other designs. The colouring is very diverse. The field and border are usually copper or violet red but can be done with earthy red or rust red. Antique rug details include designs in golden yellow, orange, and ruby red (often on red silk), light blue and green, contrasting colours, and dark blue and brown outlines. Today, Tekke rugs of different colours and light shades are rare. A simple, relatively uniform and dark bluish-red colour prevails. Recently, Tekke rugs of all sizes have appeared on the market, but they are not made by the Turkmen Tekke people. Both the structure and pile of old Tekke rugs are made of wool. In later pieces, cotton also began to be used for the weft. Sometimes, silk or cotton highlights design elements. The rug is made with an asymmetrical knot.

Dimensions:

Width: 33.86 in (86 cm)Length: 66.15 in (168 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Wool,Hand-Knotted

Place of Origin:

Central Asia

Period:

Mid-19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Circa 1850

Condition:

Seller Location: