Kizil Ayak main carpet, circa 1880

Measurements: 302cm x 213cm (9’11 x 7’)

88 Knots per inch

Price: £1,400

The Kizil Ayak are thought to be part of the wider Ersari tribe and this design is typical of their output. I think Turkoman pieces are sometimes overlooked because of the regularity of their designs and the dominant red palette, also the many poor copies that flood the market make the design too familiar. The good old ones such as this however have a great quality to them, the wool is shiny and the design well drawn, the red fields serve to highlight the lighter colours and contrast wonderfully with the blues that although sparingly used become treasures to behold. There is also some magic in a repeated pattern. The main guls dominate but there are secondary motifs, hooked crosses that create their own grid while linking the primary motifs. The border is electric, multiple reciprocal hooks meander down each side creating a lively frame for the main field. This is a very decorative rug with a lovely sheen.

Condition:

The pile is quite low but still retains its sheen, otherwise it is in fair condition.