Balikesir prayer rug

Dated 1278 AH (1861-2), this Turkish prayer rug from the Balikesir region, slightly inland from the Marmara coast in northwestern Anatolia, blends features of design from the Aegean coastal regions further southwest with a distinct local sensibility. The formation of the mihrab niche and inner field closely resemble classic Melas types from the eighteenth century. The strong color emphasis on the contrast between blues and reds set against white using a thicker weave, however, are characteristics of weavings from the northwest. An attention to detail may be seen in at least six borders and minor borders with an array of geometric elements framing the composition and giving it several levels of depth and fantastic balance.