683. a presidential old Hereke Turkish Carpet

683. Provenance: Hereke, western Turkey (near Istanbul)

Size: 390 x 307 cm

Age: Circa 1920

Condition: Mostly good for it's age, but with some areas of heavier use.

Notes: Hereke Rugs have a very special place  in the pantheon of Oriental Rugs, having been made in the workshops of Sultan Abd√ºlmecid I for his massive Dolmabah√ße palace on the Bosporus.  As such Hereke represented the highest level of large Turkish carpets equaled only by the Kum Kapi Rugs which were generally smaller. The rug production started at the same time as the  construction of the palace which was built from 1843 to 1856. Naturally, quality has varied since then, but Hereke rugs continue to be highly prized, particularly the finest of their silk weaves. This piece is splendid, with a magesterial magenta-red ground with lively-coloured floral details.