Antique Tekke Turkmen Rug Hand Knotted Wool Bokhara Gul Early 20thC 110x130cm

A hand-knotted Tekke Turkmen rug, the madder-red field with three columns of six quartered Tekke guls linked by the characteristic fine lattice, alternating with chemche secondary guls. The main border is of linked octagons, flanked by multiple narrow guard stripes, and each end carries a wide elem (skirt) panel of diamond lattice with pole-tree motifs, finishing in ivory kilim ends and fringe.

Turkmen weavings of this type are among the most recognisable in the Oriental rug world and were popularly known in the trade as ‘Bokhara’ rugs after the market town through which they were sold. The Tekke were the dominant Turkmen tribe of the Merv oasis region, and their rugs are prized for the precision of the gul drawing and the depth of the red ground. The weave on this example is fine and regular, as can be seen in the photographs of the reverse.

The palette comprises madder red, dark blue-black, ivory and touches of apricot and bright red. The design and colours point to a date in the early 20th century.

Size: approximately 110 x 130 cm (approx. 3′7″ x 4′3″).

Condition: the pile is evenly low across the field consistent with age and use, with the design fully legible throughout. The ends, kilim finishes and fringes are present, and the selvedges appear sound. No holes or repairs were noted. Photographed outdoors in natural light; the images form part of the description.

Dispatch and packing. Sent from the UK, carefully packed. International buyers welcome – postage is calculated at checkout.