Carpet

Date20th century (probably)

MediumWool pile,pink wool warp, pink wool wefts.

Dimensions6'1" X 4'4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-139

DescriptionCarpet: ghiordes knot; about 108 knots per square inch; 2 shoots red wool wefts after each row of knots. Colors: Ground; field-light brown, spandrels- dark brown, panel over niche- red, frame of niche-light blue, catouches and stars of the border- creamy-yellow, blue and red, guards bands, inner and outer- red, dark brown, edging-red; Pattern; white, yellow, light blue, dark blue, green, orange, red, light brown, dark brown. The field has a symmetrical pattern of angular floral scrolls bearing palmettes, rosettes and leaves. The border has a series of angular cartouches alternating with octagonal star-shaped medallions. The former show floral scrolls interlaced with arabesques bearing half-palmettes. The stars have an arabesque device with trefoils. The inner and outer edgings have a chain design of circular links.

Construction History
Probably 20th century: Initial constructionLabel TextThis carpet's design belongs to a group known as the "Transylvanian Church" rug, noted for its central "lamp" niche and its wide border; these rugs are thought to be modeled from Turkish prayer rugs, often specifically made for export to Europe.
However, specialists have determined this carpet as a 20th century "copy" because of its inaccurate colors that appear synthetic (described as "muddy tan" and "electric blue"). The discovery of other carpets with identical designs further makes this carpet's previous 17th/18th century dating highly questionable.
The production of copies of earlier authentic Oriental rugs speaks to the desirability of antique carpets into the 20th and perhaps 21st centuries.Inscription(s)None foundMark(s)None foundProvenancePrior to 1957, Beshir Galleries (New York, NY); 1957-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)