Lot Essay
Transylvanian rugs with white grounds are among the rarest within the classic double-niche group. One example was sold in the sale of the Bernheimer Family Collection of Carpets in these Rooms, 14 February 1996, lot 104. The present rug probably antedates the Bernheimer example. It has a finer weave and slightly more delicate drawing. It also has a greater interplay of colour with alternation for example shown in the minor panels in the border as well as the major cartouches.
The present rug demonstrates the second stage of the development of the design of this group of rugs; the first stage being represented by lot 410 in this sale. In this rug the cartouches in the border do not alternate with stellar panels. Also the spandrels are of the more typical Transylvanian design rather than the angular arabesques of the other rug, inherited from double-niche Ushaks. It still however has the strength of colour and finesse of design that the examples of the first group have.
For further discussion about Transylvanian rugs, please see the note to lot 410.
The present rug demonstrates the second stage of the development of the design of this group of rugs; the first stage being represented by lot 410 in this sale. In this rug the cartouches in the border do not alternate with stellar panels. Also the spandrels are of the more typical Transylvanian design rather than the angular arabesques of the other rug, inherited from double-niche Ushaks. It still however has the strength of colour and finesse of design that the examples of the first group have.
For further discussion about Transylvanian rugs, please see the note to lot 410.