Bergama

First half 19th century, 145 x 150 cm, North West Anatolia

A rectangular central medallion with a triple surround and a cruciform interior drawing is flanked by four hooked octagons enclosing a flower. The four-and-one medallion design echoes the tradition of the 16th century large-pattern Holbein carpets. The main border of large kochak designs, hooked diamonds and star-shaped blossoms is strongly influenced by Turkmen designs. – In terms of their nearly square format, ornamentation and palette, the surviving examples of this group of Bergama carpets are often almost indistinguishable. They have been coveted collector’s pieces for a long time. Grote-Hasenbalg dated the example published by him in 1922 to the 18th century. Perfectly drawn and woven in clear brilliant colours, this Bergama is a particularly beautiful example. – New overcasting along the sides, three small inserted sections along the upper finish, rewoven kilim at the top left. Very good overall condition.

GROTE-HASENBALG, WERNER, Der Orientteppich. Seine Geschichte und seine Kultur. Berlin 1922, Band 2, Tf.22 *** BATTILOSSI, MAURIZIO, Tappeti d'Antiquariato. Catalogo I. Turin 1985, Nr.2 *** BAUSBACK, PETER, Alte und antike orientalische Knüpfkunst. Mannheim 1979, Tf. S. 1 *** TKF-WIEN (Hrsg.), Antike anatolische Teppiche aus österreichischem Besitz. Wien 1983, Nr.24 *** SCHÜRMANN, ULRICH, Bilderbuch für Teppichsammler. München o. J. (1960), Tf.15