Fine Borlou Carpet, Turkey

Borlou carpets from western Turkey occupy a distinguished position in the hierarchy of Oriental weaving — less celebrated than their Persian counterparts, but possessed of an earthy, textural quality and a generous scale that makes them supremely effective furnishing pieces. This fine example is distinguished by its soft, light green field, a relatively unusual ground colour that gives the carpet a freshness and versatility rarely found in the deeper-toned Anatolian weavings.

The wool pile is very soft and lustrous throughout — the product of high-quality fleece and careful preparation — and the overall design is nicely drawn with the controlled fluency characteristic of the best Turkish village weaving. The palette is warm and harmonious, the colours working together with the understated confidence of a maker who knew his craft.

At a substantial 305 by 239 centimetres, this is a carpet of room-filling presence, ideally suited to a reception room, dining room, or generous hallway. Original selvages, short kilim ends secured, and fringes are all present. In very good condition throughout — a handsome and thoroughly practical furnishing piece.