"Lattice Ersari Main Carpet, Illustration 2:Warp: Ivory wool, Z2S. This is possibly one of the earliest rugs of this type. Evidence for this is the kotshaks (ram's horns) on the vertical axes of the diamond guls and the eclectic patterning of the vertical borders. The colors are typical of the "lattice" Ersari group as are the multitudinous small flowers. The use of dark blue and a strong, unfading bluish green in an alternating diagonal sequence is standard. Thacher called this rug "a rare survival from the days when the tribe led a wild nomadic life." These rugs are indeed rare and surprisingly have received little attention. In addition to the colors and design which are distinct among Turkoman weavings, the creamy, ivory warps and pinkish wefts are other distinctive characteristics. The horizontal/vertical knot ratio of about 1 to 2.5 is unusual. The knots are tightly compacted but the handle is supple. On pieces with original edges, they are frequently overcast in blue-green wool. The wool is soft, which explains why so few of these rugs have survived in good condition. The field has been reduced by at least one foot. At 8'3" long the rug is very atypical for the group. The length of floor rugs of this group is usually two and a half times the width. It is doubtful that any rugs of this type were woven after the third quarter of the l9th century." From The Rugs of Amos Bateman Thacher by George W. O'Bannon From Oriental Rug Review, Vol. 8/2, December/January, 1988
Thanks and best wishes, J. Barry O'Connell Jr. |
