WEST ANATOLIA, CIRCA 1800

This well-known type, many examples of which have survived, was produced in specialised workshops in the west Anatolian towns of Ghiordes, Kula and Ladik over a long period from the first half of the 18th century. Their elegant design and colouring proved particularly popular throughout the Ottoman Empire and a great number were exported to Europe. They borrow design elements from much earlier Ottoman court designs but notable characteristics of the group include a finely stepped acute arch with prominent shoulders, and two cross panels, one above and the other below the niche, or mihrab. The often plain open mihrab ocasionally includes small hanging pendant motifs or, as in the present rug, has a series of floral buds decorating the inner profile of the mihrab and standing in great contrast to the deep inky-blue field.