Hello Michelle,

I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal,

Considering the photographs, overall pattern, knot density and the colours,
I concluded that this is indeed a Turkish Hereke Rug. With an estimated of 400 KPSI. KPSI represents the density of the knots per square inches. The piece adapts a classical floral pattern of Turkish Hereke tradition inside another traditional pattern which is known as The Gates of Heaven or “Cennet Kapısı” in Turkish. The fringes and the edges seems right for a Turkish Hereke one. After early 1980’s Hereke production shifted fastly to China and Chinese ateliers started weaving countless pieces which was released to the market with considerably cheaper prices. The thickness supports it's Turkish origin, Chinese made ones are a lot thinner. The writing on the upper side says “Hereke” in old Ottoman Turkish as we usually see. These signatures were usually knotted to the upper right corner, and that has an important meaning, it is stationed on the upper corner because the small or medium Hereke pieces were knotted usually to be hanged on the wall. The writings would apper on the lower corners or the lower mid-point if the pieces were done for the floor as the famous Ghoum rugs of Persia.

Your piece can be dated from late 1940's to early 1960's. Which means it was probably no younger than 15 years of age at the time of your parents’ purchase. It's made of Natural Silk and is a real quality work of art. These pieces were made to hang on the walls because they’ve been seen as “paintings” of the oriental carpets. Yours is a very prestigious piece with a rather pale colour palatte. About motifs, Hereke pieces are influenced according to many sources from Persian pieces. Especially about floral patterns which can easily be seen in your piece. Of course the technique and style is very different and unique in general composition. Knotted by using the Turkish Knot style of course.

Entirely hand knotted, this small sized pieces might take 2-3 months to knot if they were made by a single artist.

Dimensions: 90 by 63 Centimeters.

Condition: Very good condition without any visible faults.

Provenance: Purchased on recommendation by the owner’s parents in 1985

Heavily decorated by flower and plant shapes.

2000-3500$.

Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.