Lot 369 AN ANTIQUE TURKMEN BESHIR RUG WITH MONUMENTAL MEDALLIONS
Up for auction is an outstanding and expressive masterpiece of Central Asian knotting art: An antique Beshir rug from the Ersari confederation (Amu Darya region, Turkmenistan), hand-knotted around 1900. This magnificent main rug captivates with a highly elegant composition scheme on a deep, rich madder red, which is highly sought after among collectors. The longitudinal axis is dominated by two parallel rows of monumental, octagonal medallions. These grand medallions are intricately structured on the inside and glow in a striking interplay of deep indigo blue, radiant ivory, golden yellow, and warm earth tones. The unique feature is the delicate execution of the inner design, which looks almost like fine mosaics or Ikat weaves. The monumental main field is framed by an opulent, multi-band border group characteristic of the most sophisticated Beshir workshops. The wide main band displays an artful row of stylized, geometric floral and leaf palmettes on a dark ground, elegantly enclosed by richly decorated minor borders in a running vine design. The rug is crafted from high-quality, lustrous wool and glows with excellently preserved, pure vegetable dyes. It is in a generally good condition with a beautiful, stable pile structure. A prestigious, timeless design classic and a high-caliber exhibit for ambitious collections of Central Asian knotting tradition. • Condition: Generally good condition (very well-maintained, authentic collector's condition with an even pile and stable ends). • Dimensions (Metric): 210 by 130 cm.