Antique Yomud Dyrnak Gul Main Carpet
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Yomud, West Turkmenistan
Dimensions: 162 x 241 cm
This rare late 19th century Yomud Dyrnak Gul main carpet highlights a powerful and rhythmic tribal composition featuring several vertical rows of the iconic “Dyrnak” or claw-like guls rendered in deep madder red, ivory, and midnight blue. This structural balance between the repeating primary medallions and the secondary cruciform motifs reflects the pinnacle of the Yomud nomadic weaving tradition of Central Asia. As a main carpet, or khaly, this piece was designed as a significant structural and status textile for the nomadic yurt, showcasing the weaver’s mastery of complex geometric repetition.
The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary deep mahogany or aubergine ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for the high contrast shifts of indigo blue and cream. These rich and enduring tones achieved through the expert application of natural dyes exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Turkmen productions. The inclusion of a precise “running dog” or serrated leaf border on an ivory ground creates a crisp visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the Yomud weavers.
Structural analysis indicates the use of robust hand-spun local wool with a characteristically resilient handle and a fine, even pile. The exceptional clarity of the serrated gul outlines and the presence of significant abrash within the field definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately this Yomud Dyrnak Gul carpet stands as a premier example of Turkmen tribal art representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors and enthusiasts of Central Asian heritage.
Stock No : 1184
