Dating to the mid-20th century, this fine silk rug bridges the gap between the famous Kum Kapi silk rugs woven by the Armenian masters such as Zareh and Toussounian in the early 20th century, and the later commercial production associated with Hereke and Kayseri. I have hesitated to attribute our piece to a location, but the workmanship marks it as closely related to the Istanbul Kum Kapi rugs. The so-called ''Sultan''s Head'' design, dominated by a very architectural niche, is inspired by similar rugs in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. However, the design is essentially Persianate, with a field design of palmettes and arabesques, and birds in the spandrels above the niche. The stunning borders, dominated by cartouches with calligraphic blessings and prayers. The overall composition is supremely elegant. Wonderful colouring adds to the attractiveness, from the glowing sapphire blue in the field, to the golds, greens reds and pinks in the details. Cherished through the generations and s...