Tekke – Central Asia

An antique Tekke woven in Turkmenistan circa 1850, in soft wool and natural dyes — and a piece with a pedigree: formerly of the famous Leigh Marsh collection of Turkmen rugs, it has been both exhibited (“Masterpieces of Turkmen Weaving”) and published (Dodds and Eiland, Jr., eds., Oriental Rugs from Atlantic Collections, p. 170, fig. 189; ICOC, Philadelphia, 1996) — credentials of critical importance to collectors. Across the crimson field, the classic Tekke guls march in ordered ranks along a fine lattice, while the unusual border alternates cross-shaped and cruciform figures, and the elem panels at either end offer stylized flowers as a warm farewell. In excellent condition: museum weaving, domestically available.

A published piece: Dodds & Eiland, Oriental Rugs from Atlantic Collections, fig. 189 (ICOC, 1996); formerly in the Leigh Marsh collection; exhibited in “Masterpieces of Turkmen Weaving”. Provenance and publication at this level are rare in the Turkmen rug market.