Antique Sivas Fragment

Period: 18th Century
Origin: Sivas, Turkey
Dimensions: 130 x 144 cm

This rare 18th century Anatolian Sivas rug fragment highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a monumental, indigo-ground central medallion populated by four smaller, red-ground hexagonal medallions. This structural balance between the saturated madder red field and the massive, multi-layered geometric core reflects the pinnacle of the Central Anatolian weaving tradition. Rugs of this antiquity from Sivas are world-renowned for their “archaic” aesthetic, where traditional tribal motifs are rendered with a bold, graphic energy and a high level of technical finesse.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary madder red ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high-contrast shifts of midnight indigo, ivory, and golden yellow. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 250 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest 18th-century Turkish productions. The inclusion of a wide tan-ground primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of colorful geometric rosettes creates a precise visual frame—even in its fragmentary state—that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive tribal artistry of the Sivas weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun local wool with a characteristically plush, even pile and a resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines—including the intricate white-ground cruciform motifs within the hexagonal medallions—and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash within the red and blue sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this Sivas rug fragment stands as a premier example of Anatolian art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Provenance: Ex Jim Dixon Collection

Stock No : 1631

Request Information