CIRCA: 1800’s / 19th C. 2nd half
A very attractive oval shaped under-saddle carpet (makden) with mandala-like medallions, surrounded by simple floral displays, on either side in the main field. The medallions themselves are quite elegantly drawn and well balanced with a small flower head at the center of each, while the design intruding into the pale blue abrashed center strip is reminiscent of archaic ‘cloud heads’**. The main field is then encased by an inner border of pearls, a secondary border with the so-called ‘rice grain’ pattern and a main outer border with the ‘running T’ design. Made sometime in the later half of the 1800’s / 19th century, the size is 109cm x60cm, all the dyes are natural, the warp and weft are both wool and all four of the saddle girth strap holes have been incised and bordered with leather. The is no doubt that, as the weaver and dyer have clearly demonstrated here, an impressive piece can be made with a minimum use of colours. It has no repairs or reweaves and is in very good condition.
**Note how, in the lower center comparison photo, while all the borders remain almost identical in the later rectangular shaped makden, that ‘same’ edge design in the blue center strip has become more angular and stiffer and the medallions themselves have ‘evolved’ to match the harder lines of the carpet shape. For more photos of that makden please see here – https://warpandweft.club/portfolio-item/makdens-item-2/