Two rug fragments, probably Bergama West Anatolia

acquired from John Webb Hill, San Francisco, 1978

Bennett, I., 'The Alexander Collection: Part II A carpet is a Picture of God', Hali, April/May 1994, issue 74, p. 90, fig. 8. Alexander, C., A Foreshadowing of 21^st Century Art The Color and Geometry of Very Early Turkish Carpets, New York, 1993, pp. 286 - 289, ill p. 287.

The red cotton backing 154 by 197cm, the fragments combined 167 by 142cm. The pile variable blue up to 4mm, oxidised browns. Areas of localised wear to foundation and with holes. Dark stain upper right hand corner. Lovely glossy wool and oood clear colour. Back not inspected but condition appears to be as when found.
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These fragments form part of a small group of Central, to West, Anatolian weaves which are likely the source inspiration for Caucasian rugs from the Kazak region, now Georgia and Armenia, designs such as Lori-Pambak and Sewan. This view supported by Alexander, op cit, p. 286, who also discuss other examples of the Central Anatolian group such as that in the TIEM, Istanbul, see Kirchheim, H., Turkish Carpets from 13th - 18th centuries, Istanbul 1996, Istanbul 1996, p. 191, pl. 136, formerly in the Şeyh Baba Yusuf mosque, Sivrihisar-Eskişehir. The TIEM example certainly shares many likenesses to the offered lot, notably the architectural outline of the field with three medallions with spiral motifs. However their colour patination differs and the field design of the TIEM is plain. Another example formerly in McMullan also shares the same design concept and is closer in colouring and geometric border, see McMullan. J., Islamic Carpets, New York, 1965, pp. 308 & 309, pl. 102. Alexander attributes the weaving centre of the present lot as Bergama, likely through colours used, possibly due to where it was initially sourced; although this not referenced.