1960s Hand Knotted Turkish Runner Rug - 3′9″ × 11′3″

Details

Description

This is an extraordinary and genuinely vintage, hand-knotted runner rug (Yolluk), sourced from the Kırşehir province of Turkey and dating … Read more This is an extraordinary and genuinely vintage, hand-knotted runner rug (Yolluk), sourced from the Kırşehir province of Turkey and dating to the 1960s. This particular piece is a rare 'chest find' (Sandık Eskisi), meaning it has been perfectly preserved, unused, since the time of its creation for a dowry (çeyiz) or personal use by village artisans. Its remarkable condition is reflected in its plush pile and vibrant, unfaded colors.

Key Features:
Origin: Kırşehir Province, Turkey
Age: Circa 1960s (Mid-Century Vintage)
Condition: Unused / Deadstock Vintage (Sandık Eskisi)
Construction: Authentic Hand-Knotted (El Dokuma)
Materials: Pure Wool Pile on a Cotton Foundation
Dyes: Hand-dyed using 100% Natural/Vegetable Dyes (obtained by boiling in a cauldron, as per traditional village methods).
Feel: Exceptionally soft underfoot due to the high-quality, natural materials.
Size: Generous Runner Size: 3 ft 9 in x 11 ft 3 in (114 cm x 343 cm)

A Note on Authenticity: As a genuine, primitive village-made piece, the rug exhibits charming, handmade characteristics, including slight asymmetries or slight variances from a perfect rectangle (eğiklikler). These subtle imperfections are not flaws; they are highly valued hallmarks of authenticity that tell the story of the artisan and the era in which it was created. This piece is a tangible link to Turkish nomadic and village weaving heritage, making it a truly unique piece of textile art for your home.

Color Palette Analysis

The rug features a bold and striking color palette typical of vintage Anatolian village weaving, with colors derived from natural dyes:
Color Primary Use & Significance
Deep Crimson Red The dominant field color, providing a stunning, vibrant backdrop. This red is historically significant, often derived from madder root, symbolizing protection, life, and good fortune in Anatolian culture.
Charcoal Grey / Black Used as the primary color for the geometric medallions and the main border framing. This provides a strong, grounding contrast to the bright red field, making the central patterns pop.
Soft Sage Green / Olive Used for subtle outlining and secondary floral/vine motifs, particularly within the border. This color, often derived from plants like weld or indigo over-dyed with yellow, adds a touch of nature and tranquility.
Warm Earth Tones Including dusty pinks, beige, and light brown, particularly visible in the folded section (DSC_0165.jpg) and the outer edges of the main border motifs. These natural, undyed or lightly dyed shades connect the rug to the Anatolian landscape.
Multi-Colored Accents Vibrant highlights of Turquoise/Teal, Mustard Yellow, and Royal Blue are sparsely and strategically used within the small floral/star motifs, providing depth and a playful, folkloric touch.

Pattern Analysis

The design is a classic example of traditional Turkish Kırşehir Anatolian weaving, characterized by strong geometric and stylized floral elements:
Field Design: The central deep crimson field is dominated by a series of three large, repeating octagonal/diamond-shaped medallions.
Central Medallions: These medallions have a charcoal/grey ground and feature highly stylized, colorful internal motifs that resemble floral or star-like symbols (yıldız). The design is powerful and symmetrical along the central vertical axis.
Main Border: The rug is framed by a complex main border with a dark ground. It features repeating stylized boteh/leaf-like motifs interspersed with smaller geometric elements. The vibrant multi-colored accents are most visible within the border, offering a dynamic frame to the central design.
Fringe: A simple, natural cotton (white/cream) fringe extends from the foundation, indicating a secure, professional finish to the hand-knotting.

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