Carpet, bird design

DateProbably 17th century (original parts)

OriginEurope, Transylvania or European Turkey

MediumWool pile, white wool warps, yellowish wool wefts

Dimensions5' 6" X 3' 10"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-38

DescriptionThe field of the rug has a pattern arranged in rows consisting of short floralscrolls with rosettes and leaves separated by an arabesque device, which resembles bird heads. In the border angular geometrical scolls with palmettes alternate with Chinese cloud bands. The outer guard band has a wavy geometrical scroll. Ghiordes knot; approximately 72 knots per square inch; two shoots yellowish wool wefts after each row of knots. Colors: Ground: field and border - creamy white; Pattern: Creamy yellow, yellow, light blue, dark blue, green, orange-red, brown.

Construction History
17th c., probably: Initial construction
March-June 1957: Constructive work done and lined by Beshir Galleries (New York, NY)
Jan. 11, 1984: Backing basted to carpet with vertical stitches (Williamsburg, VA)
Sept. 25-26, 1984: Velcro/muslin strip attached by hand across back upper edge, for exhibition (Williamsburg, VA)
Sept. 4, 1997: VacuumedLabel TextThis carpet belongs to a group known as "Transylvanian church rugs," produced beginning in the sixteenth century in Ottoman Eastern Europe. Though smaller than other Turkish carpet types (it has been described as "prayer-rug size"), Transylvanian rugs became popular with both Western Europeans and Americans. Many early Transylvanian rugs can still be seen in Romanian churches today, with laws protecting them from removal.
This carpet, with its eye-catching bird design, is thought to have been reconstructed, most likely incorporating its original 17th century parts.Inscription(s)None foundMark(s)None foundProvenancePrior to 1957, Beshir Galleries (New York, NY); 1957-present, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)