Antique Bergama Fragment

Period: Early 18th Century
Origin: Bergama
Dimensions: 147 x 200 cm

This rare early 18th century Anatolian Bergama rug fragment highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a monumental, multi-layered central medallion anchored by large, angular pendants on a vibrant madder red field. This structural balance between the massive, primary-colored medallion and the complex geometric filler motifs reflects the pinnacle of the West Anatolian village weaving tradition, which is distinguished by its bold scale and ancient, almost architectural presence. Bergama rugs of this great antiquity are world-renowned for their “archaic” aesthetic, where classical Turkish geometric themes are rendered with a robust, primitive energy.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary madder red ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high-contrast shifts of sapphire blue, forest green, ivory, and golden yellow. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 300 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest 18th-century Anatolian productions. The inclusion of a complex multi-layered border system—including a secondary border with a rhythmic sequence of colorful cruciform motifs—creates a precise visual frame, even in its fragmentary state, that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the village weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun local wool with a characteristically thick, lustrous pile and a resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines—specifically the intricate star-like motifs within the central octagons—and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash within the red and blue sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this Bergama rug fragment stands as a premier example of Anatolian art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 1573

Provenance:
It appeared on November 7, 2017 at Sothebys Rug Sale. Lot 86
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