Denizalp D.

Mearto specialist

Hello Shammas, 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 a beautiful Entirely Hand Knotted Döşemealtı Rug made between 1960-1980. Döşemealtı rugs are one of the world's most characteristic rugs with an almost steady composition over a couple of hundred years. These pieces are from Antalya region of Turkey, from a small county called Döşemealtı. Given the first examples we can date the start of this coposition to early to mid 18th century. 18th century onwards these pieces were produced almost always for domestic market, starting from the 19th century they also became export materials. This piece is best know for it's incredible richness of border, it has five different borders and five different decorations on them before reaching the central medallion. First border is the most characteristic one to Döşemealtı rugs, stars knotted on dark green, brown, dark blue and red bases. The second border resembles some camels which were probably known to local people because of Arab traders in the 18th century or before. The central medallion is in a shape of a Scorpion, this was knotted to save the owner of the rug from the evil eyes and thoughts. Scorpion shape is belived to be a protector from evil spirits. This piece is knotted by traditional Turkish Knot. A piece like this could take 1 months to knot by one weaver. Made from Kirman wool entirely. Wool on wool technique, this means both the pile and the knots are natural wool. Entirely hand knotted. Dimensions: 5 Feet x 7 Feet Condition: In very good condition without visible fault on rug part, only the fringes are a little loose. Provenance: Unknown Heavily decorated by traditional Döşemealtı patterns 400-600$. Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.