Second half 19th century, 350 x 157 cm, South East Anatolia

The exceptional quality of this two-panel Reyhanli kilim is striking. The weave is even denser than usual in this group – always very finely woven in any case – and consequently the designs are drawn with precision and in great detail. The palette of cherry red, pink, brown, light blue and various greens is highly characteristic of Reyhanli kilims and a reliable identifying feature. Two rows of large elongated hexagons with pointed ends adorn the white field, with funnel shapes arranged in pairs between them. The wide border section consists of four bands of varying ground colours in which the same designs – either a zigzagging vine or small unconnected motifs – is repeated twice. – Minimal damage along the sides and minor darned areas, several stains. Very good overall condition.

PETSOPOULOS, YANNI, Der Kelim. Ein Handbuch. Munich 1980, nos. 211 and 213