Lot 354 A MONUMENTAL ANKARA-ELMADAG KILIM

This piece is a historically important masterpiece of Anatolian flatweave art: A rare Ankara Elmadag kilim from the mid-19th century. Kilims from the Elmadağ region (near today's capital, Ankara) are famous among collectors for their monumental visual power and characteristic color gradation. The diamond-shaped, stepped all-over pattern, reminiscent of archaic lozenge structures, comes to full fruition on this large format. An absolute highlight is the fully preserved, richly patterned end-weave (elem borders) on the narrow ends.

Description.

Up for auction is a museum-quality rarity of extraordinary art-historical value: A large, antique Ankara-Elmadag kilim from Central Anatolia (Turkey), masterfully hand-woven around the middle of the 19th century (circa 1850). This spectacular collector's item captivates with its monumental, hypnotic design language and its rare gallery size. The inner field is dominated by three massive, nested and highly stepped diamond medallions. The color gradation is masterfully executed and typical of this early era: It shifts in wave-like, concentric pattern elements between vegetable-dyed madder red, indigo blue, rare pistachio or reseda green, and warm ochre and earth tones. Sharply drawn core lozenges with fine tribal protective symbols are located at the centers of the medallions. A very special feature of quality and authenticity are the two wide end-skirts (elem) at the narrow ends. These display a highly elegant row of monumental chalice and tree motifs on a dark ground, perfectly contrasted by a wavy minor border. Despite its considerable age of around 175 years, the textile work of art is in a remarkably good and collectable condition with a firm weave structure and vibrant, authentic natural dyes. A first-class investment and exhibition piece for international museums and the most discerning collections of historical flatweaves.

• Type: Flatweave / Kilim (Large Format) • Provenance / Type: Elmadağ / Ankara region, Central Anatolia (Turkey) • Age: Antique, mid-19th century • Dimensions (Metric): 418 x 165 cm • Dimensions (Imperial): approx. 13' 9" x 5' 5" ft • Production Method: Traditional handicraft, hand-woven (slit-weave technique) • Material: Fine, lustrous pure wool on wool warp (natural dyes) • Special Feature: Museum age, rare Elmadag provenance with fully preserved elem end-skirts and exceptional gallery dimensions • Condition: Good condition (excellently preserved, authentic collector's and gallery condition).