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The Magic of Ottoman Silks: Rare Carpets and Kilims
The Ottoman Empire is considered one of the richest civilizations in terms of art and craftsmanship. Situated at the heart of the Silk Road, the empire became world-renowned, particularly for its silk carpets and kilims. Ottoman silk, celebrated for its elegance, weaving style, and material quality, was used for centuries in lavish mansions and palaces. Today, rare Ottoman carpets and kilims have become a passion for collectors and art lovers alike.
The History of Ottoman Carpets and Kilims
The art of weaving carpets and kilims in the Ottoman Empire was developed by inheriting the traditions of the Anatolian Seljuks. This craft held an essential place both in daily life and as a decorative art form. From the 15th century onward, Ottoman carpets gained popularity in Europe, where they were seen as symbols of prestige in palaces and aristocratic homes.
Ottoman carpets and kilims were crafted from high-quality materials like silk, wool, and cotton, featuring intricate craftsmanship and unique motifs. These pieces were not only used as floor coverings but also as wall decorations, reflecting the aesthetic sensibility of Ottoman art.
Features of Ottoman Silk Carpets and Kilims
Ottoman silk carpets and kilims are distinguished by several key features:
- Elegant Patterns: The designs used in Ottoman carpets consist of elements characteristic of Islamic art, such as floral motifs, stylized flowers, and geometric shapes. Common motifs included rûmi, hatai, and palmette patterns.
- Silk Material: Silk carpets were especially favored in Ottoman palaces. Soft, lustrous, and durable, silk added grace and grandeur to these carpets, which were meticulously woven by skilled artisans.
- Color Palette: The colors used in Ottoman carpets were typically derived from natural dyes made from plants and minerals, giving the carpets vibrant and lasting hues. Red, blue, green, and gold were frequently used in Ottoman carpets.
- Size and Purpose: Ottoman carpets were woven in different sizes depending on their intended use. Prayer rugs were used for worship, while larger carpets adorned the important rooms of palaces.
Rare Ottoman Carpets and Kilims
Today, Ottoman carpets and kilims are highly valued by collectors. These rare pieces fetch high prices at auctions and in private collections.
- Ushak Carpets: Ushak, known for its palace carpets since the 16th century, is famous for its large-sized carpets with stylized plant motifs. These carpets are sold at high prices in auctions worldwide.
- Hereke Carpets: One of the most prestigious carpet production centers in the Ottoman Empire, Hereke was founded in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecid to produce silk carpets for palaces. Known for their fine craftsmanship and high knot density, Hereke carpets are among the most sought-after Ottoman carpets in auctions.
- Bergama and Milas Kilims: Anatolian kilims from the Ottoman period stand out with their geometric motifs and vibrant colors. Woven with natural dyes, these rare kilims attract great interest from collectors.
The Collection Value of Ottoman Carpets and Kilims
Ottoman carpets and kilims are not only historically valuable but also highly regarded as investment pieces. Silk carpets, with their durability and elegance, hold significant value. For collectors, the worth of an Ottoman carpet is determined by several factors:
- Originality: Whether the carpet is genuinely from the Ottoman period is the most critical factor for collectors.
- Condition: The preservation of the carpet significantly affects its value.
- Motifs and Colors: Carpets that retain their original motifs and colors attract more interest at auctions.
- Craftsmanship and Knots: The knot density determines the quality of the craftsmanship. Carpets with a higher knot count are finer and more durable.
Ottoman Carpets and Kilims at Auctions
Ottoman carpets are among the most highly sought-after pieces at auctions. Rare Ottoman carpets are sold for record prices at prestigious auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, with some fetching millions of dollars each year. Collectors interested in Ottoman carpets attend these auctions to add historically significant pieces to their collections. Additionally, online auction platforms like Bidsee offer art lovers the chance to discover rare pieces.