In this two-panel Aksaray kilim, the extremely fine weave has resulted in a precise drawing. Any connoisseur of Anatolian weavings will be enchanted by its magnificent colours; it is considered the most beautiful surviving example. Four large hexagons oppose each other in the white field, their sides decorated with horizontal arms and small stepped diamonds. Four rows of smaller octagons are interspersed between them. A horizontal row of six amulets placed at the exact centre of the field constitutes the pivotal point of the precisely drawn, mirror-image composition. A red-ground border of double serrated diamonds surrounds the entire field, clearly separating this section from the two unusually long elems whose motifs relate to the field and border designs. – The kilim was probably made by a group of settled Hotamis Turkmen in the Aksaray region. Hirsch writes that it was used for a funeral and later donated to the local mosque. – Signs of age and wear, small holes, slightly reduced ends. Backed with canvas.

Literature: ESKENAZI, JOHNNY (publ.), Kilim anatolici. Milan 1984, pl. 11

Published: VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Anatolia. Kilims and other Flatweaves from Anatolia. (Text by Udo Hirsch) Munich 1997, no. 67

Origin southern Central Anatolia

Dimensions 185 x 100 cm

Age 18th century