PROBABLY GHIORDES REGION, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY

This unusual rug is one of around twelve of this design whose origin within Anatolia has intrigued scholars for years. The predominant design motifs seen in these rugs, the central "sunburst" palmette and large bracket curling leaves, are most akin to the eighteenth century Caucausian "dragon" or "blossom" carpets. Traditionally attributed to Armenian workshops in West Anatolia, it remains unclear whether they were produced in Ushak, due to their red dyed warps, or the Kula-Ghiordes region because of their rich use of colour. Here the two-ply white wool warps are dyed red at each end, and there are two wefts, one white and one pink between each row of knots. The connection to Ghiordes is most notable in the present rug in the floral bud surround of the field, which is commonly seen in Ghiordes and Kula weavings, and the "S"-motif border, which can appear as a panel design in Ghiordes prayer rugs. Eight of the group are discussed by Peter Willborg ("The Dragon rugs of Anatolia", Oriental Rug Review, vol.10, no.6, 1990, p.50).