Turkish Antique Allover Ivory Hand-Knotted Silk Rug – Circa 1920 BB5477 6'0" × 8'0" $24,000

This exquisite antique Turkish silk rug from the 1920s is a masterclass in Ottoman textile artistry, embodying centuries of tradition through its refined craftsmanship and elegant aesthetic. Likely originating from a distinguished weaving center such as Kayseri or Hereke, the piece is a testament to the region’s mastery of intricate silk rug production.

The rug’s composition is deeply symbolic, designed in the classic mihrab or prayer niche layout, immediately recognizable by the pointed arch at one end. This architectural form, evoking the sacred direction of prayer (qibla), is rendered here in rich crimson red and framed by contrasting ivory spandrels—both densely decorated with stylized floral sprays, tree of life motifs, and delicate vines, all suggesting spiritual growth and paradise.

The central red field bursts with life, anchored by a symmetrical tree of life rising from the base and branching into a canopy of pomegranates, rosettes, palmettes, and flowering vines—each meticulously knotted in luminous shades of ivory, sapphire, sky blue, soft sage, and coral. The composition is expertly balanced, with every botanical element mirrored across the vertical axis, creating a sense of spiritual order and divine harmony.

A series of ornate borders enclose the prayer field. The innermost guard stripe features a continuous rosette vine, while the wide main border is adorned with alternating stylized palms and floral cartouches in brick, indigo, and ivory tones. Each outer band reflects the precision and density of high-knot silk weaving, with fine outlines and subtle shading giving depth and grace to the motifs.

Crafted entirely from natural silk, the rug glows with a soft sheen that changes with the light—underscoring the luxurious nature of the material and the painstaking labor involved in its hand-knotting. The back of the rug reveals its ultra-fine weave and high knot count, consistent with fine city production typical of early 20th-century Turkish silk works.

Despite its age, the rug retains vivid coloration and excellent definition in its pattern, with expected and attractive signs of wear that enhance its authenticity. The palette remains fresh and vibrant, a credit to the natural vegetable dyes used in its creation.

This rug is part of the esteemed Doris Leslie Blau collection, renowned for its curated selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs. Doris Leslie Blau offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points, making fine textile art accessible to both collectors and designers alike.