Object Description
Anatolian Carpet of Serapi Design
3.66 x 3.00 m
Anatolia, the western region of Turkey, has a long-standing rug-weaving tradition, dating at least as far back as the 13th Century. As the explorer Marco Polo once wrote, ‘Here they make the most beautiful silks and carpets, and in the most beautiful colours.’ It is these carpets, among the first to reach the European market in the Early Modern era, that can be spotted in many of the paintings of the Old Masters, including those of Holbein, Vermeer, and Reubens. Today these decorative carpets are highly appreciated for their simple designs, soft colours and lustrous wool.
An attractive and great quality Anatolian rug made in the last quarter of 20th century, with a much simpler, restrained design than other examples of its type, with elements borrowed from earlier Serapi examples from Northwest Persia, of the 19th Century.
The harmonious array of vegetable colours have a natural colour variation that adds great depth and richness to the simple drawing, featuring tones of muted tan, light blue, olive green and ivory. This piece is handwoven, in lustrous wool on wool foundation (rather than in cotton), making it especially durable and fine, and with a rare square-ish format.
An interesting example with a charmingly naive drawing to add character to a wide range of interior styles.