Lot 363 AN ANTIQUE ANATOLIAN GHIORDES SILK PRAYER RUG
Up for auction is a museum-quality rarity of Anatolian textile art: A fine antique Gördes (Ghiordes) prayer rug from West Anatolia, masterfully hand- knotted around 1850. This exquisite collector's item is crafted entirely from fine, lustrous pure natural silk. The inner field presents a classic, highly elegant prayer niche (Mihrab) in a rare, vibrant rosé or salmon tone, adorned with a delicate, hanging mosque lamp. The spandrels above the niche are richly woven with dense, floral carnation and blossom vines. A special highlight for connoisseurs is the opulent, multi-band border featuring characteristic Ghiordes palmettes and stylized pomegranate motifs on an ivory-colored ground. Reflecting its advanced age of over 170 years, the piece is in an authentic collector's and age-appropriate condition. The rug features a generally low pile as well as a few smaller holes/missing areas (see detailed photos), which can be structurally secured through conservation methods if desired. These traces of time are absolutely common for genuine silk antiquities from this early era and document the honest history of this textile work of art. A highly sought-after exhibit for international collectors and museums. • Condition: Authentic condition with low pile and a few small holes (collectable original condition). • Dimensions (Metric): 166 by 110 cm.