(High-Collectible-Plus) Woven in southwestern Turkey, this nearly 175-year-old carpet in the single niche or “seccade” prayer rug design dates back at least the 15th century when Melas rugs were included in a number of Venetian paintings from the time. Above the crocus flower-lined niche are four thirsty flowerheads imbibing from a central rosette. Above hang tasseled triangular ’tumar’ talismans brought from central Asia to Anatolia by migrating Turkic peoples. The Melas color palette is brilliantly expressed here. Its signature rich vermilion and goldenrod tonalities setting the stage for myriad tertiary tones such as exceptionally rare Tyrian purple, Aegean green, and azul blue still glowing and vital. These hues were carefully brewed from all-natural organic dyestuffs, as this piece was woven before synthetic aniline dyes became enthusiastically embraced as the late 1800s approached. Its border of ancient ashik gul motifs is extraordinarily eye-catching and never-before-seen in our decades of handling Melas rugs. This exemplary piece has been held in collection for generations and offers very good condition.

Read About Melas Niche Rugs

Learn About High-Collectible-Plus Rugs

See Client Rooms Furnished with Melas Niche Rugs

See Other Melas Niche Rugs