Antique Turkish Silk Rug

Description

Turkish rugs (also referred to as Anatolian rugs) are, arguably, the rugs that started it all. These carpets were among … more Turkish rugs (also referred to as Anatolian rugs) are, arguably, the rugs that started it all. These carpets were among the first wave of Oriental antique carpets to be exported into Europe. The vintage Turkish rugs were prized commodities and artistically influential pieces. The designs of Turkish rugs such as the iconic guls, prayer rugs and small repeating patterns found on these carpets, worked their way into the iconic paintings of the European masters, including Memling, Lotto, Bellini, Hans Holbein and many others.

These painters were inspired so much by Turkish rugs and the design motifs they feature that the artists have lent their names to some of these famous Turkish patterns. One of the most famous artists that incorporated rugs from Turkey in his painting was the great and iconic 16th century painter Hans Holbein.

The styles of Turkish rugs varies widely. Bergama rugs, for example, produced tribal-influenced Turkoman pieces, Hereke rugs feature elegant curve-linear patterns worthy of Ottoman palaces and the most well known of all rug weaving centers in Turkey – Oushak produces decorative room-sized carpets that are revered, above all else, for their soft pastel-coloration.

The Romanian master weaver – Theodor Tuduc, also produced exceptional carpets. His rugs were based on existing styles and designs from the Caucasus, Turkey as well as Persia. Antique Turkish rugs are elegant and beautifully varied in look, texture, quality and design.

Turkish Rugs are a major component of the carpet weaving traditions in the Middle East. It was largely the Turkish people and related groups from Central Asia who introduced the knotted pile carpet to the Islamic world. The largest and oldest collection of early Oriental rugs comes from Turkey. The so-called geometric or Seljuk carpets from the thirteenth century have been well preserved in the mosques of Konya and other towns in Central Anatolia. While most antique Persian rugs are fine and intricate, the antique Turkish rugs are extremely desirable by interior decorators. Since many of the antique rugs from Turkey boast larger scale design patterns that are usually also set against softer colors, they do have a very decorative appeal. The early Turkish rugs are also some of the most collectible rugs in today’s market due to their more primitive designs and the fact that not many were produced. less