A Ghiordes 'Transylvanian' prayer rug, West Anatolia, late 17th/18th century

Ghiordes prayer rugs such as this are from a group of refined and aesthetically successful workshop rugs whose designs are derived from Ottoman court rugs. Here, the lush floral decoration of their predecessors has become highly stylised and they retain a strong architectural feel. Related examples include a rug in the Brukenthal Museum, Sibiu, (M 1625, Ionescu 2005, Rome, 2005, cat. 216, p. 17) and another in the Walters Art Museum (inv. no. 81.1). Those sold at auction include Christie’s, London, 9 October 2006, lot 50, and Carpets from the Estate of Vojtech Blau, Sotheby's New York, 14 Dec 2006, lot 2. Of the group, this example stands apart through the spacious drawing of the border and its remarkable state of preservation with richly saturated colour and kilim finishes at each end. 

For a related Ghiordes or Kula 'Transylvanian’ prayer rug of different colouration whose format shows the direct influence of Ottoman 16th century prayer rugs, see the following lot in the present sale.