TURKISH LADIK PRAYER RUG
Western Turkey Antique Rug

(Museum-Quality) ("One of “60 Best-of-Their-Type Rugs Sold in 2022") With a vintage dating to the late 1700s, this is an artistically superb and rare representative of the Ladik "Tulip Rug" style. Its rustic, idiosyncratic changes in design throughout the field and border indicate a cottage, rather than urban, setting where the vast majority of Ladiks in the 19th century were produced. Using the triple gable design, the field is divided into three portions, the middle presenting an archaic "Tree of Life" with three plaques enshrining single rosettes. The crenelated mihrab reaches into the rare umber section capturing two pairs of broad serrated leaves and various flowerheads. The lower portion prominently uses subtly striated carmine red created from imported cochineal and provides a beautiful juxtaposition to the delicate turquoise of the central reserve. Mirroring Ladik patterning, centuries-old, five unusually long and slender tulips hang downward from a differently configured device of linked arrows. Traditionally, weavers could imaginatively fill the area between the reserve and the tulips; the rug's patterning here is quite inspired. The several exotic dyes, over two centuries old, seem almost lit from within as the patina is so advanced. This glow is part of the allure of the very early Turkish examples when they can be found. A geometric calyx and rounded rosette form the pattern in the main border, flanked by three unique "meandering vine" secondary borders and multiple narrow guard stripes of this exceptional treasure.

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