338 - Probably a Héréké rug (warp, weft, and pile of wool), Western Turkey, circa 1960–1980

Probably a Héréké rug (warp, weft, and pile of wool), Western Turkey, circa 1960–1980 302 x 201 The navy blue field is enhanced by a stylized polychrome floral design. A red border featuring a garland of multicolored flowers is framed by four counter-borders. “Hereké is a small town in Turkey on the shores of the Gulf of Izmit. In 1844, when the Ottomans were forced to abandon Egypt, they transferred the large looms from the Cairo workshops to Hereké. Héréké, closer to Istanbul, seemed the ideal place to continue Cairo’s unique textile tradition—namely, the production of superb carpets intended for the local aristocracy or European ambassadors. In fact, a year earlier, in 1843, a very large silk mill—the Imperial Silk Manufactory—was inaugurated in Héréké. From the very beginning, Herike carpets were regarded as prestigious pieces due to their exquisite craftsmanship and the quality of the materials used—silk and precious metal threads. “The silk thread used throughout the carpet allowed for an exceptionally fine knot.” Bibliographic reference: Sabahi, T. “Splendors of Oriental Carpets,” Atlas Publishing, p. 211. Good condition