Antique Kirshehir Turkish Rug 2389

Antique Kirshehir, Turkey, circa 1900 - This lavishly decorative antique Turkish long rug adapts the niched design of prayer rugs to the format of a runner. Within the elongated arch or niche hangs a series of lamps against the deep crimson ground. There is no border strictly speaking, only vertical columns of stylized flowers also set against the ground. This arrangement imparts a sense of openness and clarity to the design, which nicely balances and mollifies the rich coloration and ornamental detail.