This plush antique accent rug exhibits the full range of brown hues present in silky, undyed mohair.
Mohair for Spiritual Use
The rug is made of luscious mohair, a mélange of warm sepia and russet browns. A rare antique tülü, it was made a century ago in south-central Turkey’s Konya region, a center for the breeding of angora sheep, whose lustrous coats give this piece its distinctive sheen and visual warmth.
The rug is an open-field design with modernist tendencies in its styling. It was woven with a band of foundation kilim at each end and a small evil eye (nazar) motif in pale minty green at center.
Woven entirely by hand, this rare style of rug is a çekme—a process practiced in the Konya region and used in rugs woven primarily for domestic use. To make a çekme, the weaver loops multi-ply wool yarn over a wooden guide rod. After completing a row, the weaver withdraws the dowel, leaving behind a face of uniformly looped knots.
Condition and Use
The rug is in very good antique condition, with no repairs. The mohair retains its original luster, although the green dye used in the evil eye motif has faded to a pale hue. The kilim ends are in good condition, and the original fringe end remains in-tact.
This rug is recommended for floor use only in low-traffic areas. The looped knots risk snagging or breakage in placements where foot traffic is moderate or high. Use as a decorative throw or on a wall will ensure the rug’s preservation many generations hence. If used on the floor, a rug pad is strongly recommended.
