18th century, 185 x 100 cm, southern Central Anatolia

VOK Collection, Anatolia 12

This early prayer kilim presents a plain red mihrab which is slim as a tower and topped by a slender pointed arch. The two triangular compartments flanking the arch are woven in changing shades of blue and green. Two wide borders with interlocked outlines are decorated with double arrow motifs in diverse colours. The ground glimpsed beneath the double arrow devices adds a slight vibrancy to the solemn appearance of the field. The composition of a very few designs positioned with assurance is highly balanced, creating a vigorous and confident appearance. Herrmann who first published the kilim in 1986 assumes a date in the 18th century, pointing not only to the style but also to the quality of the colours and the presence of lazy lines. We feel that the date proposed by Hirsch (2nd half 19th century) is too conservative. A further example from the same group was exhibited in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1986. – Good condition, backed with canvas.