Heinrich Kirchheim's “Orient Stars” Plate no: 213

Camel Ground with Blue-Black Border Corner Fragment
Anatolia 15th century
41 x91 cm

Symmetrically knotted with wool
warp and weft

While not enough of the rug remains to enable a reconstruction of the whole, this smallest fragment in the collection commands our attention.
There is no dazzling display of beautiful colours. The ragged pal-mette border - not a particularly rare type - contains most of what can be seen of the design. The only recognisable field design is a corner section, also not unfamiliar. We have a quietly understated, tranquil fragment which carries tremendous strength and presence; perhaps the most compelling reflection this fragment brings in the certainty that the whole must have been truly astounding.

The beige exemplifies what I believe to be the quality of early colour, the dye being fully saturated, the colour soft and clear, yet very strong.

Lit: Heinrich Kirchheim's “Orient Stars” Plate no: 213