Anatolia, the western region of Turkey, has a long-standing rug-weaving tradition, dating at least as far back as the 13th Century. As the explorer Marco Polo once wrote, ‘Here they make the most beautiful silks and carpets, and in the most beautiful colours.’ These carpets, among the first to reach the European market in the Early Modern era, can be spotted in many of the paintings of the Old Masters, including those of Holbein, Vermeer, and Reubens. Of all Anatolian silk carpets, Herekhe weavings – no longer woven, and now much sought after by collectors and designers alike – are the pinnacle, and this piece is a fine example.

Handwoven in high grade silk and metal thread, this piece employs a beautiful Tree of Life motif, with birds nestled in its branches – a charming, spontaneous design, where the details seem to unfold as you look across the rug. This is executed in warm vegetable dyed tones of sage green, ochre red and tan, against a fresh ivory field and flanked by a wide, decorative border. Being an early work, dating to the early 20th Century, it has a remarkably high grade weave, lending a crisp clarity to its drawing.

Retained in excellent condition, this is a true work of art which would make a fine addition to any collection.