(Museum-Quality) (One of 70 "Best-of-Their-Type Rugs" Sold in 2025)  The people of the Melas region kept their semi-nomadic lifestyle alive, a heritage that includes passing down the art of rug weaving since the 1600s. This seductive Anatolian gem of exceedingly early date exemplifies the fascinating artistry and exuberant yet sensitive use of color that characterize the best 19th-century Turkish rugs. The Melas style is well known for prayer niche or ‘mihrab' field designs, but rarely are they presented in the format seen here. A single cypress tree, based in soft seafoam green, features a unique pair of downturned, stemmed flowers that orchestrate rounded and angular flowerheads among two serrated, zig-zagging, ribbon-like motifs. Below, flowering sprigs grow within budding wreaths. Opulent reciprocal crenellations in vivid red, burnished gold, and sumptuous Tyrian purple animate the main border. This well-treasured piece is a feast for the eyes, preserving a virtually lost artistic heritage of brilliantly nuanced, potent color and beguiling symbolism.

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