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Size ; 105 x 170 cm
West anatolia, Mut
An Anatolian Masterpiece: The Early 19th Century Mut Kilim
A profound record of memory from the heart of Anatolia, this Mut kilim is a rare textile artifact of exceptional caliber. Dating back to the early 1800s, it represents one of the most refined and sophisticated expressions of "primitive" art.
1. The Primordial Language of Pigments
The color palette reflects the unadulterated soul of the early 19th century. Woven long before the advent of synthetic dyes, the piece features a masterful use of walnut-shell umber, madder-root crimson, and authentic indigo. That these pigments retain such vitality and resonance after two centuries is a definitive testament to the weaver’s command over organic alchemy.
2. The Essence of the Mut Nomadic Tradition
Originating from the foothills of the Taurus Mountains—the cradle of Yörük (nomadic) heritage—this kilim embodies a pure aesthetic. Its horizontal banded composition, punctuated by stylized "eli belinde" and "ram’s horn" motifs, transcends simple decoration. It is a visual manifestation of the nomadic spirit, where every geometric abstraction serves as a symbolic dialogue between the weaver and the natural world.
3. "Primitive" Sophistication
In this context, "primitive" denotes a state of uncorrupted purity rather than a lack of complexity. The subtle, intentional asymmetries—known as abrash—endow the piece with a rhythmic soul that modern industrial symmetry can never replicate. With its minimalist geometry and bold tonal shifts, this kilim holds the same aesthetic gravitas as a modern avant-garde painting.
4. Provenance and Rarity
To find a Mut kilim from the turn of the 19th century in such remarkable condition is an extraordinary occurrence. For the discerning collector, this is a "museum-grade" acquisition—a living chronicle of Turkish cultural heritage that has survived the migrations across Anatolia’s high plateaus.
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