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The Brukenthal Two-Column Niche Rug
Giordes region, eastern Manisa Province, early 18th century
123 x 172 cm, wool pile on a wool foundation
Brukenthal Museum, Sibiu (Hermanstadt), inv. no. M.2189
Dominating the deep red field are two columns with stars at their bases and small capitals. A large ewer in the niche, with a stem of three carnations and two tulip-like buds, points 'downwards', but in the direction the rug was woven. The two spandrels are joined around the sides and bottom of the niche by a stem, making it appear as if the red niche 'field' is lying on top of a second, floral 'field' on mid-blue. The primary border is composed of an ivory stem decorated with alternating red and gold flowers against a dark blue background. The outer and inner guard borders are the same and both are flanked by narrow bands.
text and images © Sakip
Sabanci Museum, Istanbul
and textile-art, London, 2007:
not to be reproduced without permission