Syndicate contentGallery 51, Craig Wallen

Gallery 51 specializing in collectible rugs and fine antique textile art .The focus at Gallery 51 is on the appreciation, conservation, and collection of fine, antique textile art and antique oriental rugs. With more than twenty years experience as a private purveyor of rare textiles, Craig Wallen offers both residential and commercial customers, as well as sophisticated collectors, a wide selection of visually compelling textiles for use in home or office settings., Antique tribal carpets and weavings from the Middle East and Central Asia form the bulk of our inventory, although ancient Coptic, Islamic, pre-Columbian, African, Native American, and other ethnographic textiles are also offered. Services include: buying and selling, consultation, appraisal, brokerage, mounting, and collection management. Please phone/email with queries, or stop into the gallery (open Tues - Sun, 11 - 6), located in historic Old City Philadelphia, for a first hand look. www.gallery51.net

Published article:

Large, quite early (possibly 17th c) zili fragment, exceptional colors, fine details, mounted, approx. 6' x 9'. The amount of work ... read more
Early Ottoman tankard, with lid. Hammered, tinned, copper. 9" h. 17th/18th c.
Karapinar fragment. Thick pile. Saturated color. approx. 2.6 x 4.
Two jufti knotted Persian fragments, 18th c. Probably Khorasan. 13" x 22", and 13" x 27". The larger one (corner) has a ... read more
Evocative Persian reverse paintings on glass. Old. Pair. With frame, 16" x 20". Late Qajar?
Ottoman era bracelets of woven silver. There's a name for this silver technique, but i don't remember what it is.
Elegant Mujur long rug/runner, good age. All original. Wear, oxidation, etc. Wabi sabi to the max.
price:  very affordable
Dramatic early Bergama fragment, possibly a yatak, 18th c. mounted
Large and impressive early Turkish Zili carpet fragment with amazing colors, intricate drawing and fantastic details. 18th c. Approx 6' x 8' ... read more
What was once a great old soumak, in need of restoration and some tlc. Approx. 7 x 10. Note, these photos, except ... read more
Truly charming little Grenfell mat, with what seems to be a rather rare motif of seagulls over the ocean. I've seen many ... read more
Shahsevan pile fragment, composed of two pieces, 22" x 8'7". Cotton wefts. Thick and lush full pile. For comparison, i ... read more
Beautiful pair of Ottoman silver bracelets, hallmarked. 2"w x 6.5" l.
Handsome older Mahal, 12 x 15.7, with great overall design and fantastic colors. Some moth damage in minor border at one end, ... read more
Mamluk revival hookah base (or possibly candle holder?), in brass, 19th c., Egypt or Syria. Elaborately and elegantly hand decorated.
Large, early, tinned copper vessel, inscribed. Probably Central Asia, 16th/17th c. 11"d x 6"h. For a comparable example, see: Uzbekistan, ... read more
Best Wishes to Everyone for a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Peaceful 2016 !
'Tis the season - have a merry Xmas everyone! Cheers to each and every one of you!
Outstanding Caucasian kilim, 3.2 x 11.1. FIne, old weave, fantastic colors, unusual format, a few small holes and losses at the sides, ... read more
price:  2400.
Anglo-Indian portable writing desk, c. 1825. In exceptional condition, with exquisite workmanship. 18"l x 12"d x 8"h. Rosewood inlaid with ... read more
Strong, old Sauj Bulagh with amazing color palette. Some self-evident condition issues, but a great old thing. Approx. 3.5 x 5.
price:  575. or B/O
Middle Eastern ewer, copper, c. 1800, w/ hammered floral decoration.
Anatolian (Mujur?) long rug, complete & with great colors, but a healthy amount of wear, approx 3' x 10'
price:  very reasonable
Turkish kilim in two panels, not sewn together. Probably east central Anatolia, 19th c.
Folky Swedish Rolakan bench cushion cover, early 19th c. , approx 2 x 6
Ottoman period, beautifully patinated bronze or brass scribe's pencase (divit), with large inkwell and interesting decorations, including an elegant tulip with tughra ... read more
price:  reasonable
Large Coptic tunic fragment w/ two very colorful roundels and a brocaded bottom panel, also Coptic, but probably added later.
price:  gone - thx!
Two Asiyut cloths or shawls, probably made in Egypt, early 20th c. Asiyut is a cotton mesh fabric embellished with hammered metal ... read more
Coptic Fragment, fairly large, 10" x 14".
price:  fairly small
Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to look and buy. e. Anatolian (Kurd?) of great age and great use ... read more
Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year!