873/​312

A West Anatolian Istanbul Kumkapi Toussounian full silk rug. A classical 16th century Safavid animal, palmettes and cloud band design. Knotted with fine glowing silk in bright colours, characteristic red kilim ends. Early 20th century. 186×125 cm.

Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey. During the nineteenth century, the court manufactories of Topkapi, Üsküdar, and Kum Kapi produced silk carpets in “Safavid-Osmanic” designs modelled on those of the sixteenth century, employing Armenian (from the areas of Kayseri and Sivas), and Persian weavers. Kum Kapi was, in the nineteenth century, the Armenian quarter of Istanbul. The asymmetrical knot was used. Silk carpets produced here often were woven with silver and gold threads. Two of the most prominent designer weavers were Zareh Penyamian and Tossounian. Zareh is known for his prayer rugs, which often included the “Sultan's head” form of the mihrab, cloud bands in the prayer field, palmettes and arabesque patterns and Quranic inscriptions. He often signed his carpets. Tossounian made silk rugs with high pile, glowing colours, and red kilim endings. The design was inspired by Persian animal carpets of the “Sanguszko” type. Colours are very elaborate, carmine red, jade green, yellow, and dark bright indigo.

Condition

Condition report on request. Contact: carpets@bruun-rasmussen.dks

Auction

Furniture, varia & carpets, 20 September 2017

Category
Estimate

80,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

75,000 DKK