Turkish silk Hereke prayer rug

Turkish silk Hereke prayer rug
Turkish, Late 20th Century
Height 90cm, width 41cm
 
Hailing from the coastal town of Hereke in Turkey, this remarkable rug serves as a splendid testament to the rich tradition of Turkish carpet weaving from the 20th century.
 
Adhering to the classic design conventions of Hereke prayer rugs, this carpet is embellished with enchanting hues of marigold, green, ivory, yellow, and maroon. It features a central panel teeming with harmonious floral and foliage patterns, displaying a profound sense of symmetry and flowing grace, which is constructed in the shape of a directional pyramid, typical of prayer rugs.
 
Encircling the central panel, we find a finely detailed thin border decorated with recurring orange architectural motifs. The outer, larger, border is a frieze which is beautifully adorned with polychrome floral designs, including boteh motifs, against a marigold backdrop. These decorations are arranged in a pattern sequence, effectively contextualising the central panel’s plentiful decorations.
 
The rug's outer are lined by an identical motif border to the one framing the central panel, accentuated by a deeper maroon band, thereby underlining the rug's overall beauty. Tasselled cream fringes elegantly drape from two sides, adding a whimsical touch to the piece.
 
Abdulmejid I, 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, established the Royal Court Manufacture in Hereke in 1843. With time, the manufacture became renowned for its high-quality silk carpets. Although it would close its doors in the aftermath of the Empire’s demise, local families revived the tradition by establishing their own shops and continuing the legacy of the city’s rugmaking traditions.
 
This splendid Hereke rug, with its warm hues and intricate designs, promises to infuse any interior space with an aura of sophistication and warmth.