Antique 17th Century Transylvanian Rug 70169

$56,000.00

Size: 4 ft 2 in x 5 ft 9 in (1.27 m x 1.75 m)

Magnificent Antique 17th century Transylvanian Rug 70169, Country of Origin: Romania, Circa Date: Second Half of 17th Century – Occasionally, an antique carpet comes along for which its very existence is a miracle. This spectacular antique Transylvanian rug from the latter half of the 17th century is one of them. This rug is close to 350 years old and is in extraordinary condition for its age. There are only a handful of Transylvanian rugs from this time period still around.

Despite being political rivalries, trade developed between East Central Europe and the Ottoman Empire beginning in the 1400’s. The antique Oriental carpets were an important commodity that were traded along these routes. These highly collectible rugs were used as political gifts to mark the place of an important person in the Eastern churches. This carpet was produced in the late 1600’s during a time when Romania was under Ottoman rule.

This vibrant antique Romanian rug has a double niche design and features Anatolian floral motifs. Ottoman rugs tend to feature large, angular designs and geometric patterns. Double niche Anatolian carpets are a type of medallion carpet where the designs have been moved the center to produce a prayer niche on both ends. However, it is unknown whether the Saxon recipients of the carpets understood this significance. They only adored them for their striking beauty, as we do today.

One defining trait of these beautiful antique rugs is that the borders surrounding the field are unresolved, with no connecting corner motif. They end abruptly, making one border appear to be on top of the other. This is one of the traits that makes Transylvanian rugs easily distinguished from Persian carpets. As with this antique Transylvanian carpet, the side border motifs are often not completed on one end.

This magnificent 17th century carpet is striking in its use of colors and bold motifs. Its unique history and rarity make it a real treasure, and we are honored to bring it to you. This rare early rug would make the crowning piece of any collection.

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