Aksaray

Late 18th century, 205 x 153 cm, Central Anatolia, Konya region

Two huge octagons with hooked outlines, each filled to its full extent by a large central star, are aligned on the central axis of the red field. Two halved diamonds at the sides of the field and four triangles in the corners are similarly decorated with long hooks, creating a relationship with the two primary designs. In the orange-red border, geometric stylised animal figures are depicted at a very large scale to emphasise their iconographic significance. The distinctive appearance of this Central Anatolian carpet derives from the brilliant colours and the design of massive, powerfully drawn devices. Closely related examples are a Konya from the "Orient Stars" Collection with the same field design of two star-filled octagons and a rug with four octagons in the field published by Battilossi. However, the animal border occurs in neither of these two examples. – Various repiled sections, restored side and end finishes.

KIRCHHEIM, E. HEINRICH, Orient Stars. Eine Teppichsammlung. Stuttgart-London 1993, Nr.183 *** BATTILOSSI, MAURIZIO, Tappeti d'Antiquariato. Catalogo V. Turin 1990, Nr.5