Antique Tekke Turkmen main carpet, 5'11 x 7'7, early nineteenth century, as indicated by the size and various other features - simple border system of early type with only a barber pole guard stripe separating the main border from the field, unusual 'chemche' secondary elements connected by vertical lines like the main medallions or 'guls,' simple four-star octagons in the main border with varied additional elements like flower heads, diamonds, and flattened octagons (see detailed photos). The age of the rug is also apparent from the smooth polished back, and from the lighter blonding over time of the natural brown wool used in the outlines. Another early feature is the originally square shape with five rows of medallions. Like some other early Tekke main carpets, this one was reduced down the middle of the rug market to give it the more rectangular proportions preferred by western buyers, which eliminated a row of medallions. The seam is tightly sewn and well done, visible on the right side of the next to last photo. There is a small patch from another carpet of similar type, age, and color (last photo). Wool warps and wefts. One area in the lower part of the rug is slightly lighter for reasons unknown, but mostly it has a beautiful rich burnt orange red field color and a rich greenish blue alternating with with the navy tone inside the medallions. Good, low pile overall. Selvedges redone. Kilim skirts missing, but all pile areas intact except for the outermost barber pole guard stripe at the lower end. Please] email me directly at Jan77burn@yahoo.com