This vintage 5x9 Turkish rug is a remarkable hand-knotted wool weaving dating to circa 1950–1960. The piece features striking pictorial lion motifs amidst floral tribal ornamentation in terracotta, charcoal, crimson, and saffron tones.On the Design:Among the most captivating achievements of mid-century Turkish village weaving are the rare pictorial rugs in which tribal symbolism, storytelling, and decorative art converge into highly expressive compositions. The present example belongs to that exceptional category. Across the field, monumental lions stride with an almost heraldic authority, rendered not through naturalistic detail but through a powerful geometric abstraction characteristic of traditional village weaving. Their stylized forms, elongated bodies, and mask-like faces evoke ancient protective emblems rather than mere decorative animals, transforming the composition into a woven narrative rich with symbolism and visual drama. Collectors and admirers of tribal art will especially appreciate the rug’s remarkable ability to balance folkloric imagery with the bold graphic clarity associated with modernist textile design.Particularly compelling is the rug’s masterful interplay of color, scale, and ornamentation. The saturated terracotta field creates a luminous backdrop against which charcoal, saffron, crimson, ivory, and olive-green details emerge with extraordinary vitality. Floral vinery, rosettes, and angular tribal devices animate the surrounding borders and negative space, softening the monumentality of the lions while enhancing the composition’s rhythmic movement. The slight irregularities of the hand-knotted drawing and the beautifully aged wool surface lend the piece an authenticity and warmth impossible to reproduce in later workshop examples. The result is a highly collectible vintage Turkish pictorial carpet whose commanding imagery and deeply expressive tribal character elevate it beyond decoration into the realm of woven folk art.Condition:This vintage Turkish pictorial rug enjoys good condition for its age and origin.
"Rug & Kilim has been a pleasure to work with from the very start of our relationship. Not only is their service outstanding, their inventory of one of a kind vintage rugs is unparalleled."
— Alan Eckstein and Margaret Goddard, Somerset House
The Rug & Kilim Standard
The Rug & Kilim Standard
A standard since our inception upheld across every acquisition, transaction, and delivery.
45+ Year Old Institution
More than four decades of expertise and stewardship, under the leadership of our Principal, Jahanshah "Josh" Nazmiyal.
Favorable Return Policy
Our return policy is 48 hours upon receipt allowing you to confirm the purchase in your space with confidence.
Product Warranty
Each rug is hand selected or produced through the most reputable sources under the direct supervision of our Principal.
Trusted Global Delivery
Reliable worldwide delivery handled with care, precision and constant communication.
Exceptional Support
Attentive, knowledgeable guidance before and after purchase from our dedicated team of specialists.
Long Term Care
We stand behind every piece we place and remain a resource to our clients for the lifetime of their collection.
The R&K Image Studio is a new visual workspace designed to present the Rug & Kilim collection
with clarity, restraint, and precision — in your space or any space you imagine.
This tool allows you to view, refine, and prepare imagery drawn directly from the pieces in our
archive. They can be visualized cleanly, isolated thoughtfully, and adjusted for presentations,
proposals, and private viewings, without altering the integrity of the original work.
Step 1Describe or upload your space, or use a preset
This vintage 5x9 Turkish rug is a remarkable hand-knotted wool weaving dating to circa 1950–1960. The piece features striking pictorial lion motifs amidst floral tribal ornamentation in terracotta, charcoal, crimson, and saffron tones.On the Design:Among the most captivating achievements of mid-century Turkish village weaving are the rare pictorial rugs in which tribal symbolism, storytelling, and decorative art converge into highly expressive compositions. The present example belongs to that exceptional category. Across the field, monumental lions stride with an almost heraldic authority, rendered not through naturalistic detail but through a powerful geometric abstraction characteristic of traditional village weaving. Their stylized forms, elongated bodies, and mask-like faces evoke ancient protective emblems rather than mere decorative animals, transforming the composition into a woven narrative rich with symbolism and visual drama. Collectors and admirers of tribal art will especially appreciate the rug’s remarkable ability to balance folkloric imagery with the bold graphic clarity associated with modernist textile design.Particularly compelling is the rug’s masterful interplay of color, scale, and ornamentation. The saturated terracotta field creates a luminous backdrop against which charcoal, saffron, crimson, ivory, and olive-green details emerge with extraordinary vitality. Floral vinery, rosettes, and angular tribal devices animate the surrounding borders and negative space, softening the monumentality of the lions while enhancing the composition’s rhythmic movement. The slight irregularities of the hand-knotted drawing and the beautifully aged wool surface lend the piece an authenticity and warmth impossible to reproduce in later workshop examples. The result is a highly collectible vintage Turkish pictorial carpet whose commanding imagery and deeply expressive tribal character elevate it beyond decoration into the realm of woven folk art.Condition:This vintage Turkish pictorial rug enjoys good condition for its age and origin.
"Josh has been able to dredge up some of the rarest and most beautiful carpets for our nerdy and stringent requirements. And we have had a grand time together assembling collections for clients."
— Ralph Harvard, Ralph Harvard Inc.
The Rug & Kilim Standard
The Rug & Kilim Standard
A standard since our inception upheld across every acquisition, transaction, and delivery.
45+ Year Old Institution
More than four decades of expertise and stewardship, under the leadership of our Principal, Jahanshah "Josh" Nazmiyal.
Favorable Return Policy
Our return policy is 48 hours upon receipt allowing you to confirm the purchase in your space with confidence.
Product Warranty
Each rug is hand selected or produced through the most reputable sources under the direct supervision of our Principal.
Trusted Global Delivery
Reliable worldwide delivery handled with care, precision and constant communication.
Exceptional Support
Attentive, knowledgeable guidance before and after purchase from our dedicated team of specialists.
Long Term Care
We stand behind every piece we place and remain a resource to our clients for the lifetime of their collection.
