Early 20th Century Anatolian Carpet

Anatolia, the western region of Turkey, has a long-standing rug-weaving tradition, dating at least as far back as the 13th Century. As the explorer Marco Polo once wrote, ‘Here they make the most beautiful silks and carpets, and in the most beautiful colours.’ It is these carpets, among the first to reach the European market in the Early Modern era, that can be spotted in many of the paintings of the Old Masters, including those of Holbein, Vermeer, and Reubens. 

This gorgeous early 20th Century example features a balanced blend of vegetable-dyed colours, with tones of terracotta and sky blue atop an ivory field – rare for carpets of its region and period. The intricate all-over paisley pattern draws inspiration from 18th-century Persian textiles, rooted in an ancient Zoroastrian motif symbolizing the cypress tree—a representation of eternal life. The restrained palette and the large scale of the drawing to its overall format, offers a great sense of depth and balance to the work. 

This carpet is in good practical condition for everyday use with a wonderful patina, its colours having gracefully aged over the years. With its versatile design, this piece is a perfect fit for a wide range of interior styles.