Hello Jonathan, I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal, Considering the photographs, overall pattern, knot density and the colours, I concluded that this is an Entirely Hand Knotted Turkish Çanakkale or Balıkesir Prayer Rug. The piece dates back to the period between 1940-1970. Considering the piece's dimensions and the motifs knotted on it we can clearly say that this is a small prayer rug from the Northern Aegean and Southern Marmara Region of Turkey. The piece was decorated with a proper colour for the region's weaving tradition. The central area was decorated on a dark blue base while the borders were decorated on a white base. As we can read from the decoration the piece was decorated as a "Mihrap" which is the prayer altar of a mosque. The triangular shape depicts this altar. There is a visible lantern hanging from the top of the mihrap, which is also a characteristic depiction seen on prayer rugs. the borders were decorated florally while the central dcoration was partially floral alongside some caterpillar cocoons and a butterfly. It is like the decoration tells a transformation story. The piece was knotted wool on cotton. The knot density is low to average. The piece is in fair condition with visible problems to various areas, fringes have considerable loss and the piece has signes of use and exposure to sun. Entirely hand knotted. Dimensions: 52 Inches to 38 Inches Condition: The piece is in fair condition with visible problems to various areas, fringes have considerable loss and the piece has signes of use and exposure to sun. Provenance: Unknown. 120-200$. Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.
