Antique Silkweft Sivas Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Sivas, Turkey
Dimensions: 100 x 150 cm

This rare late 19th century Turkish Sivas silk weft prayer rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic tonal composition featuring a deep, saturated violet aubergine mihrab (prayer niche) anchored within a rich, earthy terracotta field. This structural balance between the unadorned, minimalist niche and the intricately decorated spandrels which feature a delicate “Tree of Life” motif populated with stylized floral sprays reflects the pinnacle of the Sivas weaving tradition in Central Anatolia. Rugs of this technical caliber are world renowned for their “silk weft” construction, a luxury technique where silk threads are used for the foundation to allow for a finer knot density and a more supple, luminous handle.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary aubergine field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of sage green, madder red, and soft teal. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 130 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century urban workshop productions. The inclusion of a wide, multi layered border system anchored by a primary border containing a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating floral cartouches and geometric rosettes creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool and silk quality and the distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool for the pile, supported by a characteristically fine silk foundation that provides a firm yet exceptionally flexible handle. The exceptional clarity of the decorative outlines specifically the stepped edges of the prayer niche and the precisely executed “barber pole” guard borders definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Sivas. Ultimately, this rug stands as a premier example of Turkish textile art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global collectors.

Stock No: 5335

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