A KOUM KAPI SILK AND METAL-THREAD PRAYER RUG

Details

A KOUM KAPI SILK AND METAL-THREAD PRAYER RUG
TURKEY, CIRCA 1920

The buff field with two flowerhead cartouche columns issuing from zigzag and metal-thread column bases on a floral lattice panel, enclosing diagonal rows of flowerheads and flanked by two part columns on a field of scrolling palmette, flowerhead and leafy vine panels, the columns terminating in floral cartouches supporting the three arches above depicting on either side three arched doors and in the centre a stylised plan of the mosque and Ka'ba at Mecca, a panel of similar polychrome smaller arches above, inner overlapping trefoil stripe, in an interlocking floral panelled border between polychrome zigzag and light blue linked lozenge stripes, ivory interlaced burgundy, indigo and buff arabesque, narrow zigzag and plain buff outer stripes, excellent condition
6ft.8in. x 4ft.1in. (204cm. x 124cm.)

Lot Essay

This design is thought to have been created by Hagop Kapoudjian (Farrow, G.: Hagop Kapoudjian, Buckhurst Hill, 1933). This rug is however almost identical to one illustrated by Franses, Solomon (Oriental Carpets as an Investment, London, n.d., pl.23, p.43), identified as being by the master-weaver Kanata. Since the colouring and in particular the finely cut pile seen in the present rug are not normally associated with the weavings of Hagop, the identity of the weaver of this rug remains debatable.

For an Indian variation on the same design, see lot 439.

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