ANTIQUE BANDIRMA/GORDES PRAYER RUG (J001)

Description

I discovered this beautiful antique prayer rug at Gallery Afrodit in Ankara, Turkey, in the late 1990's. After discussing its age, origin and condition with the owner, Mustafa Bulguroglu, I decided to purchase. It became the first piece in my modest collecton of antique Turkish prayer rugs. This rug was made in the mid-19th century in the Bandirma/Gordes area of Northwestern Turkey. It is 100% wool, it measures 4' 4.5" X 6' 1.5" and it is in good to very good condition. Following common practice, the weaver made this rug "upside down" so that the more complicated design at the top of the rug was completed first. The mirhab design is woven on a dark purple field. Two pillars decorated with carnations "support" the beautifully decorated spandrels, and a lamp hangs from the top of the niche. Floral and leaf motifs were used in the border and guard bands. We had a silk sleeve sewn to the top back of the rug so it can be hung from a rod. That sleeve can be removed easily without damaging the rug.
All reasonable offers will be considered.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Construction: Wool on Wool
Type Back: Semi-ridged
Type Knot: Turkish
Knot Count: 11 X 15
Knot Density: 165/sq in
Weft: Double tan
Warp: Tan wool
Selvage: 2 ribs in tan
Kilim/Fringe: Kilim at both ends missing. Short fringe in tan wool
Pile: Short
Damage: Kilim missing at both ends and some selvage damage on both sides
Repair/Restoration: None