Antique Sivas Runner

Period: 19th Century
Origin: Sivas, Turkey
Dimensions: 80 x 355 cm

This rare late 19th century Anatolian Sivas runner highlights a powerful and rhythmic linear composition featuring a series of narrow vertical stripes densely populated with delicate floral vine scrolls. This structural balance between the disciplined, repeating columns and the fluid botanical detailing reflects the pinnacle of the Central Anatolian workshop tradition, which often drew inspiration from the sophisticated aesthetic of French Savonnerie and Persian “Zilli Sultan” designs. Sivas runners of this period are highly regarded for their elegant, architectural scale, making them ideal for grand transitional spaces.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary rose-red and ivory striped ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of golden saffron, sage green, and soft indigo. These rich and enduring tones achieved through the expert application of natural dyes exhibit a chromatic strength and a luminous, silky quality that are hallmarks of the finest 19th century Sivas productions. The inclusion of a narrow border decorated with rhythmic floral rosettes creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the master weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun local wool with a characteristically fine, low-clipped pile and a supple, resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the tiny floral blossoms and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash within the red and green stripes definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this Sivas runner stands as a premier example of Ottoman-era village art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 1049

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