18th century, 400 x 225 cm, East Anatolia

Captivating due to its dignified and sacred appearance, this monumental multiple prayer rug displays six alternately red and green mihrab fields which expand into steep stepped arches ending in tower-like tips. Except for the curled hooks protruding inwards from their scalloped outlines and a row of delicate carnations attached to thin stems along the lower edge, the mihrab fields are empty spaces and dominant features due to their colour effect. In sharp contrast, the sections above the arches are richly decorated in many different designs. The wide main border displays large flowers in subtle pastel shades on an apricot ground, accompanied by minutely drawn, geometric motifs. All the white design sections are woven in cotton. – The only immediately comparable Erzerum saf is kept at the Vakiflar Museum, Istanbul (inv. no. 57). Equal in length, it is some 60 centimetres less wide (400 x 165 cm) or, viewed horizontally, 60 centimetres less high; as a result, its composition appears more compressed and less generous. Balpinar/Hirsch state that this kilim was discovered in the Ulu mosque of Sivas. It is presumed to have been made by a tribal group who had immigrated from the Caucasus. – Signs of age and wear, corroded brown, several missing sections. Mounted onto canvas.

BALPINAR/HIRSCH 1982, Tf. 88

KONZETT/PLOIER 1991, Nr. 79 *** REINISCH 2018, TP 22, S. 100 und 101