1820s Turkish Rugs

This remarkable Turkish prayer rug, from the central Anatolian province of Kirshehir, was woven with no fewer than 14 distinct colors. Rugs from this region are known for their vibrant natural dyes and this piece doesn’t disappoint. The central field, woven with gradations of blue and green, culminates in a mihrab niche. A thin inner border is traced in madder red and incorporates a series of three-leafed clovers to frame the inner field. The spandrel features a matching floral motif against a fuchsia red ground, which was derived either from local beetles or imported cochineal. This diagonal floral motif is rarely seen in 19th century Anatolian weavings, and is more typically encountered in classical Ottoman prayer rugs...