Carpet with Two Medallions

This is a dual medallion as the main element of the design of 18th-century carpet from the Konya region, Central Anatolia area of Turkey. Rugs of this type, using two medallions, appear frequently in 15th-century paintings of both the Venetian and the Flemish schools. This pattern tradition survived into the 18th and even into the 19th century in Anatolian village rugs of which this is an exceptionally powerful example. The two octagons that fill almost all of the field enclose a small octagon in the center from which radiate rectangular panels in a star-like fashion, filled with "latch-hook" patterns. Typical two medallions central octagon carpets contain a star-and-knot design commonly found in "Holbein" rugs of the 16th century and used already in the 15th century. The balance of the field features rows of detached octagons with stars and rosette volutes in the corners which give a sense of movement to the otherwise compact and somewhat static design. The border pattern, although originally based on floral forms, is entirely broken up into geometric units. Among specialists, Anatolian carpets and kilims are believed to record symbols of ancient values and ideas, a tradition that dates back several millennia and was only displaced during the industrial age. The Anatolian kilim design tradition probably owes its lucky survival to the fact that pile-woven carpets look more precious and would already have had a higher prestige value several millennia ago. Kilim weaving was, therefore, able to survive undisturbed within an intact cultural context for a long period of time. The design of this rug is interpreted and soft colors are chosen for this rug.

Color summary: 10 colors in total, most used 4 colors are;

• Dark Sienna  402 (Madder Root - Pomegranate - Spurge - Walnut Husk)
• Bistre Brown  411 (Pomegranate - Madder Root)
• Maroon  433 (Madder Root)
• Mandarian Orange  523 (Madder Root)