Denizalp D.

Mearto specialist

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-Caucasian Soumak Kilim. The piece likely dates back to the period from 1940 to 1960. The piece was decorated in classical Caucasian style by a native pattern. The piece is actually not a rug but a kilim. Kilims have a different style of knotting and therefore a different type of weaving. The piece appears to be a small one which we usually refer as a quarter. The piece's central area was characterized by three chest figures with one being the central medallion with a larger body in white colour. The decoration is highly symmetrical as we usually see on Caucasian pieces. Soumaks are almost always designed with animal motifs, on this piece we can see these animal such as Ram, Dogs, Wolves and various kinds of birds. Ram and Ram Horns are one of the most used motifs in Caucasian piece as the Ram Horn symbolizes fertility and power. Scorpion motifs were also used on the piece multiple times due to the believe that they do scare away the bad news and bad luck. The borders of the piece were constructed in three different layers, one inner layer with chain motifs, one middle layer with ram horn motifs and an outer layer with chain motifs once again. The central area of the piece was decorated on a red base while the borders were decrated on dark blue, saffron and white bases. The piece doesnot appear to be pure silk, or to include pure silk on it's foundation or pile. But Soumak pieces usually include a mixture of silk and wool to their pile, hence the shiny appearance. This piece is likely one of those examples but should be personally examined to confirm. Wool on wool. The piece is in good condition without any visible problems other than signes of age. Entirely hand knotted. Dimensions: Unknown, information could help to improve the online appraisal. Condition: The piece is in good condition without any visible problems other than signes of age. Provenance: Purchased in Goreme region in 1997 by the current owner. Heavily decorated by traditional Tabriz patterns. 700-900$. Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.