Lot Essay
The misnomer, 'Transylvanian,' used for the group of rugs similar to the present rug stems from the fact that many rugs of this type were found in churches in the Transylvanian region of Eastern Europe. It is generally accepted today, however, that these rugs were woven in Western Anatolia. As with many other types of rugs exported to the West in large quantities, Charles Grant Ellis proposes that the 'Transylvanian' name is appropriate as he believes many of these rugs were woven there. The principle market for rugs of this type seemed to be mainly in Europe and as with many other Eastern carpets they appear in numerous Western paintings, usually as table covers, from the early seventeenth century through the eighteenth century. Surprisingly, a 'Transylvanian' rug, with the same border type as seen on the Bernheimer rug, even appears in a 1741 American painting of Isaac Royal and Family by Robert Feke demonstrating that the popularity of these rugs extended even to the then far off American colonies!
Many variations of 'Transylvanian' rugs exist indicating that the entire group is actually composed of weavings from different towns. It has been often suggested that rugs of type such as the Bernheimer piece are possibly from Bergama. Even within this group, there are many variations in design which probably result from a modification and simplification of design over time. The earliest rugs from this group have a more thinly drawn and attenuated floral lattice, often incorporating vases, than seen in the present rug. The borders of the early group also tend to have eight-pointed star medallions interspersing the palmette-filled cartouches. However, similar spandrels as those in the Bernheimer rug can also be seen in some examples of the early group, perhaps indicating that this rug dates from just slightly later than the earliest pieces (see Dimand, M. S. and Mailey, J.: Oriental Rugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1973, fig. 177 for an earlier example with these spandrels). The appearance of a border, similar to the border seen here, in a mid- eighteenth century American painting would support a fairly early date for this border type as well.
The field and spandrel design of the Bernheimer rug can be found in many other 'Transylvanian' examples (see McMullen, J.: Islamic Carpets, New York, 1965, no. 86, Ellis, C. G.: Oriental Carpets in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, 1988, no. 33, and Kertesz-Badrus, A.: Trkische Teppiche in Siebenbrgen, Bucharest, 1985 for several examples, but especially cover illustration). Although similar in design to these cited pieces, the Bernheimer 'Transylvanian' distinguishes itself from the group by its uncommon white ground and tranquil balance of design and colour.
Many variations of 'Transylvanian' rugs exist indicating that the entire group is actually composed of weavings from different towns. It has been often suggested that rugs of type such as the Bernheimer piece are possibly from Bergama. Even within this group, there are many variations in design which probably result from a modification and simplification of design over time. The earliest rugs from this group have a more thinly drawn and attenuated floral lattice, often incorporating vases, than seen in the present rug. The borders of the early group also tend to have eight-pointed star medallions interspersing the palmette-filled cartouches. However, similar spandrels as those in the Bernheimer rug can also be seen in some examples of the early group, perhaps indicating that this rug dates from just slightly later than the earliest pieces (see Dimand, M. S. and Mailey, J.: Oriental Rugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1973, fig. 177 for an earlier example with these spandrels). The appearance of a border, similar to the border seen here, in a mid- eighteenth century American painting would support a fairly early date for this border type as well.
The field and spandrel design of the Bernheimer rug can be found in many other 'Transylvanian' examples (see McMullen, J.: Islamic Carpets, New York, 1965, no. 86, Ellis, C. G.: Oriental Carpets in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, 1988, no. 33, and Kertesz-Badrus, A.: Trkische Teppiche in Siebenbrgen, Bucharest, 1985 for several examples, but especially cover illustration). Although similar in design to these cited pieces, the Bernheimer 'Transylvanian' distinguishes itself from the group by its uncommon white ground and tranquil balance of design and colour.