Early 20th Century Anatolian Kilim

Anatolia, the western region of Turkey, has a long-standing rug-weaving tradition, stretching back at least as far 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 same carpets, among the first to reach the European market in the Early Modern era, that one can spot in many of the paintings of the Old Masters, including those of Holbein, Vermeer, and Reubens.

Of these Anatolian weavings, flatweave kilims such as this charming example 1930s example are among the most highly prized; this example features a muted terracotta ground which, like the colours in the tan, denim blue and chocolate brown bold geometric lozenges which span the central field, employ a beautiful abrash (the subtle variations in tone), which lends the work a real sense of character and depth.

Retained in very good condition for everyday use, this carpet would make a wonderful addition to a wide variety of interiors.