(Museum-Quality) (One of 70 "Best-of-Their-Type Rugs" Sold in 2025)  The ancient city of Melas (Milas), located in southwestern Turkey along the Aegean coast, embodies a rich history with a legacy of weaving highly revered tribal carpets. Research has identified this very distinctive prayer rug sub-style emerging in Melas during the 16th century and continuing through the 18th and 19th centuries. This piece uses powerful imagery and masterfully procured natural dyes to create a stunning object d’art. The artist-weaver has subtly and effectively merged anthropomorphic and botanical elements, expressing the raw beauty of natural forces. The field houses a unique “Tree of Life” featuring three elongate boteh or “Seed of Life” in tones of scintillating cerulean blue and sparkling jade green. Floating carnation sprigs and chevrons rest upon a soft burnt orange ground. Technicolor shield shaped cypress trees cascade on either side of the niched field in a jubilant pattern of colors. A rarely seen walnut brown surround is filled with festive geometricized flora. The venerable age of this piece attests to its enduring qualities.

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