Antique Chodur Main Rug

Period: Mid 19th Century
Origin: Chodur, Turkmenistan
Dimensions: 190 x 310 cm

This rare middle of the 19th century Central Asia Turkmen Chodur main rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring an all-over offset lattice of the characteristic Chodur ertmen gul rendered in vibrant primary tones. This structural balance between the deep purplish-brown “aubergine” field and the repeating white-ground medallions reflects the pinnacle of the Chodur nomadic weaving tradition, one of the five major Turkmen tribes. Chodur rugs of this antiquity are world-renowned for their distinctively cool color palette and the archaic, diamond-shaped geometry of their tribal crests.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary dark brown-purple ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high-contrast shifts of madder red, ivory, and touches of sky blue. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 170 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest mid-19th-century Turkmen productions. The inclusion of a complex multi-layered border system—including a primary border with a rhythmic sequence of small, multi-colored geometric rosettes—creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the nomadic weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun local wool with a characteristically dense, even pile and a supple yet resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines—including the intricate internal details of each ertmen gul—and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash within the aubergine and red sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this Chodur main rug stands as a premier example of Central Asian tribal art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 1196

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