Object Description
Fine Vintage Anatolian Carpet, in Serapi Style
4.30 x 4.10 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.
This handsome Anatolian carpet features an unusual composition, borrowing design characteristics from high-quality North West Persian Serapi carpets of the 19th century. The drawing has a real sense of primitive charm, being much simpler and more open than other weavings of its type. It also boasts a wide palette of fresh, naturally dyed colours, including ivory, green, light blue and tan, which, since this carpet is approximately 40 years old, have taken on a wonderful patina.
Retained in very good to excellent condition, still preserving its original outer borders and fringes on all sides.
A highly decorative example, rare in this large, square format, with the versatility to compliment a wide variety of settings.