THIS IS A VERY RARE MASTERPIECE TURKISH LADIK MEDALLION CARPET

They are absolute masterpieces, and acknowledged as such amongst rug connaisseurs, although seldon seen. Known as the premier weaving city in Turkey, the town of Hereke is located about 60 miles east of Istanbul and became THE most renouned center for the production of the finest carpets in the World during the time of the Ottoman Empire. To begin with, these carpets were only available to the Ottoman Court and the heads of European Monarchies.

Hereke is also renouned for its silk weavings, which can command densities of upwards of 30 X 30 knots per square inch. The very finest craftsmen were imported to Hereke from centers of excellence like Ladik to produce these stunning masterpieces of artwork. This carpet is UNIQUE as a Hereke style carpet, made in the Hereke style by Ladik master weavers. It is known as a Hereke/Ladik Medallion carpet. Production of these rugs ceased more than 40 years ago, and will likely never resume, as the skills to make them in this style have been lost.

This is a UNIQUE museum quality, valuable collectors piece in pristine condition. This rug is founded on a cotton base and made from the finest quality wool, with hand knotting approximating 18 X 18 KPSI. That is not the only aspect of the weave, the density is so thick it is almost impossible to push a finger through the plushness of the pile. In viewing a Ladik Turkish carpet, you will notice there is a directional lighter or darker shade, this is because of the techniques employed in the weaving of the rug. The bottom or beginning of the rug towards the top end will always appear lighter and it is in this direction which the knapp or pile feels the smoothest and is also most light refractive. Conversely, from the other direction, the top, the knap when stroked will rise, this occasions a greater absorbtion of light, hence the darker aspect.

Dimensions are 11' 3" X 6' 8" or metric 3.40m X 2.00m.

The quality of this carpet is attested to by its weight, its weighs in at over 70 pounds.

This carpet easily represents more than 2-years of work to render such a masterpiece.

My company is not unique, based in Oregon, USA, but our endeavor is to continually bring to the marketplace striking original works of Oriental art, this is without doubt another exceptional MASTERPIECE.