Antique Bergama Bag

Period: Mid 19th Century
Origin: Anatolia
Dimensions: 40 x 45 cm

This rare, mid 19th century Bergama bag face (yastik or small pouch panel) is a spectacular and highly collectible masterpiece of Western Anatolian tribal weaving, universally celebrated for its graphic power, structural complexity, and nomadic authenticity. Hand knotted using premium quality, hand spun wool that yields a dense, thick pile with an exceptionally rich tactile handle, this artifact showcases a remarkably complex and archaic ancestral design language. The central field features a starkly divided rectangular panel split into alternating blocks of deep madder red and medium sky blue, providing a dramatic backdrop for a majestic, tree of life variant or ancestral totem motif that rises boldly through the core. This prominent tribal emblem is rendered with exceptional geometric precision, accented by stepped ivory arrowheads and protective symbols that showcase the individual weaver’s creativity within a centuries old village tradition.

The active, high contrast composition is brought to life by a magnificent and beautifully preserved palette of pure, organic vegetable dyes. The intense interaction between the glowing madder reds, rich terracotta orange, bright sky blues, and crisp ivory highlights gives each graphic element a distinct, multi dimensional presence. Notably, the upper edge of the piece beautifully retains its original woven flatweave kilim bridge, complete with its authentic, tightly sewn finishing details that were traditionally used to secure the opening of the pouch during daily utilitarian use.

Framing this grand tribal narrative is a remarkably crisp and detailed multi border system that anchors the energetic central field. The inner border features an alternating sequence of multi colored geometric rosettes on a brilliant sky blue ground, followed by a secondary madder red band, and wrapped completely by an outer guard stripe animated by a continuous, reciprocal zig zag or running dog pattern in terracotta and charcoal tones. Exhibiting a wonderfully authentic aged patina, soft natural abrash variations, and an exceptionally robust, healthy structure, this collector grade textile carries an immense visual weight. Its combination of bold tribal geometry, rare complete utilitarian features, and majestic color contrasts makes it a spectacular investment piece, perfect for bringing a rich sense of historical narrative and authentic nomadic soul to any specialized textile collection or curated interior wall display.

Stock No: 6567

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