Late 19th century, 130 x 105 cm, Central Anatolia, Konya region

This group of closely related flatweaves is well documented in literature. Woven in the village of Keçimuhsine, they were used in houses as curtains for wall niches and hung in the opposite direction of the ascending design. All the motifs are embroidered in the brocading technique on an ivory wool plainweave ground. Two flat stepped gables extend across the entire width of the field; parts of a third gable at the upper end of the field prove that the design was conceived as an infinite repeat. The ground is filled with rows of tiny botehs arranged in colour diagonals. The composition is strictly symmetrical and derives an ascending movement from the stepped gables. The gables are crowned with a Y-form supporting a cypress. This tree is considered a symbol of eternal life in Anatolia and found in many Turkish cemeteries. In rugs and flatweaves, the cypress is a transitional symbol. – Very good condition, original finishes all around.

BALPINAR, BELKIS & HIRSCH, UDO, Flachgewebe des Vakiflar-Museums Istanbul. Wesel 1982, pl. 105 *** ESKENAZI, JOHN J. (publ.), Kilim. Milan 1980, no. 28 *** BANDSMA, AREND / BRANDT, ROBIN, Flatweaves of Turkey. London 2003, pl. 45 *** RIPPON BOSWELL, A 95, Poppmeier Collection II, 23 March 2019, lot 49