3305 - HEREKE "Fine Hereke Silk Rug with Silver Brocade and Inscriptions" HxW: approx. 101/144 cm. Turkey, Hereke, mid-20th century. Pile and warp made of the finest natural silk, accented with genuine silver thread brocading. Extremely fine hand-knotted construction with flat-woven silver. Magnificent prayer rug from the renowned court workshop tradition of Hereke. The central field features a delicate mihrab niche on a silvery-gray background, framed by an elegantly curving, terracotta-colored border. The field is lavishly decorated with filigree floral tendrils, palmettes, and floral motifs in soft shades of mint green, rust red, ochre, and sage. A standout feature of this piece is the use of flat-woven silver threads, which appear in the background of the niche panel as well as in the decorative bands of the border and lend the piece a spectacular metallic sheen when light hits it. At the apex of the mihrab arch is a reserved inscription cartouche in red Thuluth calligraphy on a lightly patterned background, bearing the master’s or workshop’s signature. The wide main border on a warm terracotta background is designed as a continuous band of calligraphic cartouches in light green, containing verses from the Quran and religious blessings. The main border is framed by two filigree-knotted secondary borders featuring chains of floral motifs. In very good condition with full silk pile and luminous silver accents. A top-tier collector’s item and investment piece of outstanding artisanal finesse. NO SHIPPING TO THE U.S.