Antique Kis Ghordes Rug

Period: Circa 1700
Origin: Turkey
Dimensions: 117 x 123 cm
Provenance: The Collection of Dr. Donald Breyer, Highland Park, IL.

This rare circa 1700 kis ghordes rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic composition featuring a central ivory field anchored by a sharp diamond medallion, framed at top and bottom by stepped arch spandrels filled with dense floral sprays and stylized botanical motifs. This structural balance between the open central field complete with its geometric core and the surrounding wide outer border filled with repeating triangular saw toothed cartouches reflects the pinnacle of traditional Western Anatolian Gördes fine craftsmanship world renowned for its distinctive architectural niche geometry, marriage rug provenance, decorative clarity, and majestic graphic presence. Textiles of this antiquity are celebrated for their ability to blend highly expressive regional Anatolian design narratives with a striking heraldic pattern rhythm.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary natural ivory canvas contrasted by deep navy blue, crimson madder red, magenta, soft ice blue, and delicate terracotta accents, framed by a continuous wide geometric main border filled with dark stepped triangular devices that allow the light central ground to step forward dynamically. These rich and enduring tones achieved through the expert application of natural vegetable dyes over 250 years ago exhibit a characteristic gentle patina, soft historic abrash, and an organic wool texture that are hallmarks of the finest circa 1700 West Anatolian regional productions. The multi layered framing borders create a powerful visual boundary that highlights the superior hand spun wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the weaver.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun wool woven with a characteristically resilient knotting structure and a soft, supple handle suited for significant museum or elite private collections. The exceptional clarity of the geometric outlines, specifically the perfectly balanced symmetry of the central medallion layout and corresponding stepped triangular borders, definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic circa 1700 kis ghordes rug production. Ultimately, this decorative textile stands as a premier example of classical Turkish weaving art representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global collectors.

Literature: For similar examples, see: Martin Volkmann, Old Eastern Carpets, Masterpieces in German Private Collections (Munich: 1978), pl.17. Herbert Reichel, Berühmte Orient-Teppiche Aus Historischer Sicht (Rheinland: 1969), pl. 55. – A.F. Kendrick and C. E. C. Tattersall, Handwoven Carpets: Oriental and European (London: 1922), pl. 90. – Ulrich Schurmann, Oriental Carpets (London: 1966),p.14.

Stock No: 6607

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