mid 18th century, 182 x 132 cm, Central Asia, West Turkestan

Early door rugs by the Saryk from the Merv oasis have always been particularly coveted collectors’ items. This Hoffmeister ensi resembles the Hornbach ensi that we sold in November 2023 in terms of both design layout and quality, but has lighter colours and no highlights of white cotton or coloured silk. This could indicate a higher age. The plants surrounding the inner field on both sides and at the top below the band with four gables, with a crown and hanging flowers, are drawn larger and in more detail. The lower horizontal stripe with six star-filled rectangles in square compartments differs in design from the corresponding horizontal stripe in the Hornbach ensi. The weave is very fine and slightly depressed, the back feels ribbed.

The sides are cut and not rebound, somewhat reduced at both ends. Signs of wear in the pile, one hole, a horizontal stitched tear in the upper right corner area. Provenance: Peter Hoffmeister Collection, Dorfles-Esbach

HAMBURGISCHES MUSEUM FÜR VÖLKERKUNDE (PUBL.), Wie Blumen in der Wüste. Die Kultur der turkmenischen Nomadenstämme Zentralasiens. Hamburg 1993. No. 108 *** VOLKMANN, MARTIN (ed.), Alte Orientteppiche. Munich 1985, no. 83 *** ESKENAZI, JOHN J., Il Tappeto Orientale. Milan 1987, no. 255 = RIPPON BOSWELL, A 105, 25 November 2023, lot 56

EILAND JR., MURRAY L.(ed.), A World of Oriental Carpets & Textiles. Washington, D.C. 2003, p. 170, fig. 3 *** TSAREVA, ELENA, Turkmen Carpets. The Hoffmeister Collection. Stuttgart 2011, no. 21