18th century, 265 x 152 cm, West Anatolia, Manisa province

VOK Collection, Anatolia 2

The Vok Collection includes two examples of these rare striped kilims. Presenting the same design layout, they appear very similar at first glance, but a closer look reveals distinct differences between them. The first example of comparatively coarse weave (Anatolia 1) was sold in April 2015. The second example offered now (Anatolia 2) is finer in weave, richer in colour range, different in design repertoire, and its overall appearance is not rustic. It has an elegant and courtly look. – It now seems certain that the striped kilims presenting Ottoman floral designs were woven in workshops in the West Anatolian province of Manisa. Kula or Selendi are possible provenances. In the Ottoman period, both cities were important centres of textile production, which included commissions for the court or the nobility. – The design of wide stripes, alternately decorated with floral and geometric motifs in the Ottoman style, is a characteristic feature of this distinctive group. The kilims were probably used as wall hangings – like tapestries – and may have adorned the magnificent tents of Ottoman pashas during their frequent campaigns. – In this item, the wide design bands show trees decorated with tulips, alternately placed on a blue, brown or red ground. The direction of the trees changes at the exact centre of the weaving. With just two exceptions, the flanking geometric dividing stripes also change direction at the centre. In the narrower design bands, offset diamonds are combined into composite braid-like shapes that appear to flow, alternately on a white or a light yellow ground. – Very good condition.