Rare Collectible Antique 17th Century Rustic Tribal Geometric Transylvanian Rug 70178
Beautiful Antique 17th century Transylvanian Rug 70178, Country of Origin: Romania, Circa Date: Second Half of 17th Century – The magnificent use of color and traditional design elements of this double niche antique Transylvanian rug from the 17th century are simply gorgeous, but it also a rare find in world of antique carpets. Antique Transylvanian rugs were imported from the Ottoman Empire to Romania beginning in the 14th century. Many of these beautiful masterpieces no longer exist, but we know of them as they were often included in Renaissance paintings.
The few hundred that are believed to still exist in the world today come to us through Saxon churches in Romania. It is believed that many of the Ottoman carpets preserved in Transylvanian churches are a result of parishioners who left their prized possessions to the church when they died. Some were also given as political gifts. By whatever means they acquired them, these beautiful works lined the walls of German Gothic churches in Transylvania throughout the 17th century.
The group of early carpets known today as Transylvanian carpets were produced in Anatolia and imported during the time when Romania was part of the Ottoman Empire. This 17th century carpet was produced during the later years of this period in history.
This antique Romanian carpet has the common elements that distinguish this group of antique rugs. It uses only four colors that are arranged in such as way as to highlight the motifs by using contrast. The main borders of the carpet appear to be bands with unresolved corner designs, such as those one would find in Persian carpets. Instead, these Western Anatolian carpets have one end of the side borders that seems to disappear into the end border. This makes it appear as if the borders were added to the design afterwards, instead of integrated into it.
The design is a double niche, which has the appearance of the medallion designs found throughout Persian carpets. This is a result of historical contact between the Anatolian tribes and Persian culture throughout history. One can see the influence of the people with whom the Anatolian weavers came into contact. It has the tribal feel of the carpets of the tribes of the Caucasus mountains, combined with several Persian influences in the design.
This delightful 17th century carpet is an important piece of history of which there are only a few remaining in the world. They represent a specific era in history and have a unique style that gives them a special place in a collection. Many of them were preserved in churches and sold to museums and private collections in Europe and the USA. It is rare to find one that is still available, and we are proud to be able to offer this rare and magnificent carpet to you.
