Title:

Anatolian Yastik (Yastic)
Konya Region
Central Anatolia

Size:

22” x 44”

Circa:
1875
Cat. #:
289

 

Description:

The dominant field motif is a minimalist, rarely seen and imaginatively drawn, version of a kizilli quatrefoil medallion.

This medallion and its variations are seen throughout Anatolia and even into ancient Persia.

In its traditional form, the Central Anatolian kizilli appears as double stacked.

Departing from the norm, this example presents only one.

The palette strongly suggests that this yastik was woven in an area southwest of Konya.

The design of the lappets reinforces the Central Anatolian attribution.

There is a imposing visual sense of verticality to the field composition.

The use of sectioned flower heads, rather than a simple outline, contributes significantly to this feel.

Although it does not reproduce well on all computer screens, there is an unusual and extensive use of an old aubergine, mellow and with a wonderful patina.

This color is seen as a background to the lappets and the central medallion.

All the colors are from all natural dyes.

The wool is thick and meaty.  The handle is heavy for a small weaving.

Condition:  Excellent.  The pile is full and complete.  There are no areas of wear, damage or low pile.  There is a small hole in the left lower selvedge.

Structure:
Warps:
Wool, natural ivory.  Two strands are loosely plied. The warps are on one level with no displacement
 
Wefts:

Wool, natural shades of mostly light brown.  However, there are wefts dyed a reddish-orange.  The number of wefts between knot rows varies from two to as many as four.

 
Knots:
Symmetrical.
 
Sides:

Foundation warps are bundled into a three cord selvedge. The wrapping is light brown wool.

 
Ends:

Not original and reduced slightly.  Both ends have stabilized to prevent loss of pile.

Price:
$18,000