Lot Essay
This carpet is an early rare example by the Armenian masterweaver Zareh Penyamin, (1890-1949). Zareh worked at the Sultan's factory in Hereke from 1906 rising to become the chief designer. He moved to Koum Kapi, Istanbul where he continued to weave rugs, usually signed with his better known 'Zareh' signature, until 1938. The present carpet is unusual in that it has the Hereke manufactory mark in kufic as well as the early calligraphic mark of Zareh. For a short discussion on the weaver's marks see Farrow, G.F.: HALI 46, London, 1989, p.11. This article mentions another carpet in the George F. Farrow Collection which appears to be of identical design to the present one and which also bears both the Hereke mark and the early mark of Zareh. In both carpets, following the Hereke tradition of copying classical carpets, Zareh has deviated from his usual designs and copied an early Mughal carpet.
A 'Sultan's head' Koum Kapi prayer rug sold in these Rooms, 28 April 1994, Lot 419, bore the same early Zareh mark twice in the two lower corners (28 April 1994, Lot 419).
A 'Sultan's head' Koum Kapi prayer rug sold in these Rooms, 28 April 1994, Lot 419, bore the same early Zareh mark twice in the two lower corners (28 April 1994, Lot 419).