third quarter 19th century, 207 x 97 cm, West Anatolia, Manisa

A white towering frame decorated with tulips and carnations ending in a steep stepped upper arch stands alone in the cochineal field. It contains a huge yellow cypress and two small tower houses with columned entrances and crowned gables. The single-band white border is decorated with the same floral motifs as the inner frame. The long and narrow format suggests that this Ghiordes was used as a coffin cover.

In style and iconography this rug diverges greatly from the Turkish design tradition. A characteristic piece from the “Turkish Baroque” period, it was made during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I (1839 until 1861).

Signs of age and wear, low pile. Otherwise well preserved, including the original blue cotton selvedges and the kilim finishes embellished with triangles.