Lot 189, Transylvanian Ushak published in “Antike Anatolische Teppiche aus österreichischem Besitz” 1983 plate 13, 5ft. 6in. x 4ft. 1in., Turkey 17th century, condition: very good, original kilim ends, replaced, selvedges, some areas low pile, few small old repairs, corroded brown, wool warp, wool weft, wool pile, Estimate: € 18,000 – 22,000. This is an excellent example of a type of Turkish rug with a long and famous history in Europe. Many were brought to the churches of Transylvania (Siebenbürgen) by Christian pilgrims as devotional gifts. Thanks to this practice, a large group of them are available for study and research, often in quite good condition. There are a number of different styles: some are actual prayer rugs, while others, like Lot 189, have double-ended niches. Were they, too, intended to be used as prayer rugs? This is just one of the many questions surrounding these Transylvanian pieces. Although this is among the more common types, it has the far rarer and more desirable main border of star-shaped medallions placed between the typical larger cartouches. Other highly desirable features include the original kilim weave in green wool on both ends and the red warp yarn, which is only found in pieces from this earlier group. However, what makes this piece exemplary is the crisp, nicely delineated design with large, generously proportioned motifs. This is easily seen in the unfussy treatment of the typical infill of the border’s stars and cartouches, as well as the two opposing stem and forked branch design placed between them. The field’s somewhat abstract palmettes in two sizes, the large rosettes, and the vines with budding flower heads are depicted with the clarity seen in the earliest pieces. September 16th 2014 2pm, http://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog_gallery/57235