early 19th century, 376 x 168 cm, Central Anatolia, Cappadocia

This large two-panel Aksaray kilim is woven in nine horizontal stripes that vary in ground colour and are decorated with elibelinde motifs. Each stripe contains four complete motifs and halved motifs offset against them, which combine with the halved motifs of the adjoining stripes to form complete motifs halved by colour. In the white-ground border, an elongated vine zigzags around geometric, abstract blossoms. The end finishes of this kilim consist of narrow, plain horizontal stripes in several colours.

Various missing sections and holes, corroded brown. Mounted onto canvas. Provenance: Rabe Collection, Berlin

FRAUENKNECHT, BERTRAM, Frühe türkische Tapisserien. Nuremberg 1984, pl. 35 *** ESKENAZI, JOHN & VALCARENGHI, DARIO, Kilim anatolici. Milan 1985, no. 56

RACHEL, Woven with Love. Kilims From Anatolia. The Georg and Birgit Rabe Collection, Berlin. Jerusalem 2007, ill. p. 65