Dazkiri Yastik

First half 19th century, 84 x 67 cm, South West Anatolia, Afyonkarahisar province

This gorgeous yastik from one of the villages in the Dazkiri region is virtually indistinguishable from a parallel piece in the McMullan Collection, now in the Metropolitan Museum, New York. The tomato red field is dominated by a large star-shaped blossom, its white centre radiating eight blue flowers (possibly hyacinths) placed on a mustard yellow ground. This motif derives from the Ottoman formal repertoire, while the four triangular figures seen in the corners reflect an older pre-Ottoman tradition. – Both end finishes repiled, partially reselvedged, otherwise very well preserved.

McMULLAN, JOSEPH V., Islamic Carpets. New York 1965, Nr.117 *** MOREHOUSE, BRIAN, Yastiks. Cushion Covers And Storage Bags Of Anatolia. Philadelphia 1996, Nr.9 *** THOMPSON, JON, Timbuktu to Tibet. Exotic Rugs & Textiles From New York Collections. New York 2008, Tf.82