TURKEY, CIRCA 1890

The knot count measures approximately 12V x 11H knots per cm. sq.

The close observation of classical weaving which typifies the Koum Kapi school is apparent on this rug, which was woven in an unidentified Istanbul workshop. The floral lattice in the field looks to eighteenth-century Mughal 'millefleur' carpets, such as a prayer rug in the Österreiches Museum fur Angewandte Kunst, Vienna (acc.no.T-1539), which was published by Sarre and Trenkwald, Alt-orientalischer Teppiche, Vienna, 1926, volume II, plate 37. The border contains a repeated pattern of two sorush, which are Avestan mythical beings similar to angels. A similar pattern appears on a sixteenth century Safavid medallion carpet which appeared in Sarre and Trenkwald, volume II, plate 1.

An Istanbul rug of similar dimensions, also with Mughal-inspired field though lacking a sorush border, was sold in these Rooms, 27 April 2017, lot 195.