19th Century Tekke Carpet

Early Tekke carpets are instantly recognisable for their distinctive elephant foot patterns, and bold, visually arresting drawings. Woven for many centuries by the highly skilled weavers of the Tekke tribes in Turkoman in Central Asia, Tekke rugs are highly sought-after for their superb quality wool and use of rich natural dyes. This handsome example, dated to the 19th Century, boasts a soft madder tone to the central field, rather than the darker, saturated reds often found in later examples. It has a remarkably tight weave, woven in lustrous wools which lend a sense of great clarity to its drawing, having developed a pleasant patina with age. The composition of the central field is pleasantly spacious, and framed by over a dozen borders within borders. This fine Tekke carpet has been preserved in excellent condition, still retaining its original borders and fringes on both sides, a rare and remarkable feature for a rug over 100 years old such as this. This timeless classic with tribal charm, this carpet would make a wonderful addition to a wide variety of settings.