18th Century Konya Rug

Period: 18th Century
Origin: Anatolia
Dimensions: 104 x 176 cm

This rare 18th century Konya rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic composition featuring a saturated madder red field anchored by a monumental archaic geometric medallion enclosing a deep indigo octagonal center and crowned by stylized floral finials along the upper register. This structural balance between the bold red central field complete with its serrated aubergine and ivory framing arms and the surrounding luminous saffron yellow main border filled with repeating four lobed floral palmettes reflects the pinnacle of traditional Central Anatolian Konya fine craftsmanship world renowned for its monumental archaic symbolism, saturated natural dyes, decorative clarity, and majestic graphic presence. Textiles of this extraordinary antiquity are celebrated for their ability to blend highly expressive classical Anatolian tribal design narratives with a striking heraldic pattern rhythm.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary saturated madder red and saffron yellow canvas contrasted by deep indigo blue, natural aubergine brown, ivory, and subtle coral accents, framed by a continuous wide patterned main border flanked by detailed salmon and ivory inner guard bands that allow the central medallion field to step forward dynamically. These rich and enduring tones achieved through expert natural dye application over two centuries ago exhibit a characteristic gentle patina, soft historic abrash, and a plush hand spun wool texture that are hallmarks of the finest 18th century Central 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 master weaver.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun wool pile woven on durable natural wool warps and wefts with a characteristically resilient, thick knotted structure and a supple handle tailored for museum level display or elite private collections. The exceptional clarity of the geometric outlines, specifically the perfectly balanced symmetry of the central octagonal medallion and corresponding palmette filled borders, definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic 18th century Konya 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.

Provenance: Sotheby’s New York, 13 December 1996, Lot 36 (cover illustration).
Literature:
– Hali 91. “Auction Price Guide.” Hali Publications Ltd: London, 1997, p. 154.
– Hali 157. “Unusually Anatolian.” Hali Publications Ltd: London, 2008, p. 84, no. 11.
Notes: While yastiks with depictions of Saz leaves are common, rugs with these motifs are rare. Some examples include Orient Stars pl. 178, dated to the 16/17th century ( Hali 63 p. 44); a yellow-ground rug sold twice at SNY (14 December 2001 #59 = Hali 121 APG p. 137 and 2 December 2003 #24) dated to mid 19th century; a white ground example with three pairs of Saz leaves in T.I.E.M. ( Anatolian Carpets pl. 84 = Hali 105 p. 95); Eiland Oriental Rugs (1981) pl. 15, dated to mid-19th century.

Stock No: 2842

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