Description
Antique Yomud Main Carpet
Turkmenistan, second half of the 19th century
298 × 173 cm
A large and expressive Yomud main carpet, woven in the second half of the nineteenth century. Its deep aubergine-brown field is organised into offset rows of bold kepse-type ornaments, articulated in madder red, dark indigo, blue and ivory. The alternating colours create a subtle diagonal movement across the field, preventing the repeated design from becoming rigid or mechanical.
The field is enclosed by a particularly striking ivory-ground principal border composed of angular, serrated forms, accompanied by narrower geometric guard stripes. At either end, substantial decorated elem panels survive together with sections of the original flatwoven kilim finishes—an important feature in a carpet of this age.
The restricted palette, spacious drawing and irregularities of scale give the carpet considerable presence and preserve the individual rhythm of tribal weaving. Its warm, naturally aged colours are especially attractive, with the ivory elements standing out strongly against the unusually dark ground.
The carpet shows wear consistent with considerable age and use, together with losses and fraying to the flatwoven ends, as illustrated. These do not diminish the strength of its overall composition and contribute to its authentic historic character.
Origin: Yomud Turkmen
Date: Second half of the 19th century, circa 1860–1880
Materials: Wool pile on a wool foundation
Dimensions: 298 × 173 cm
Condition: Age-related wear otherwise very good to excellent condition
