Ersasi Ensi ID #1

[Andras Fugerth Registered Find all posts View Profile Close Andras Fugerth]

Hello Everyone,

I was lucky enough to pick up two rugs from a garage sale, which are - based on my almost non-existent and google search based knowledge is an Ersari Ensi . The one in this post measures 142x180cm.

I found this forum through my search, and would really appreciate if you can share some of your knowledge and give me some more detailed information on it !

I attached photos from the rug, some details and the backside. The other one I will post seperately as have been advised to do so.

Best regards, Andras Fugerth

[Joe Lawrence Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joe Lawrence]

Yes it’s an Ersari Ensi. I have one very similar to it. Dating is more than likely 3rd quarter of the 19c to the early 1900’s.

lucky find!

it is missing parts of the bottom and top but still looks nice.

[Andras Fugerth]

Dear Joe, thank you for your kind reply and the information you shared. Have a nice day! Best regards, Andras

[PaulSmith Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PaulSmith]

Hi Andras,

Welcome to Turkotek! Someone may encourage you to change your official name to your actual name... just a standard ritual around here. I got a bit of a comeuppance for taking out the space between my first and last names, but they let me keep it.

Anyway, I agree with Joe on the Ersari attribution, but not so much on the dating, which I am pretty sure is 1900-1920, given the colors, especially the blue, which is brighter on earlier pieces.

[Andras Fugerth]

Dear Paul, thank you for the information! I tried to change my username with no success so far (tried from mobile) - will try later from a computer as well.
Best regards, Andras

[Joe Lawrence Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joe Lawrence]

If you look at a recent post of mine “it’s kind of quiet here” you will see a similar Ensi on the floor in the picture. I do like Ersari Ensi’s the best.

[Andras Fugerth]

Dear Joe, thank you for your kind reply - will look into that! Best regards, Andras

[PaulSmith Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PaulSmith]

Hi Joe.

I think your ensi in that thread you mentioned looks to me to be an earlier example, better blues (and other colors), as well as more detail in the drawing. I'd say that one is 4th-q. 19th c. or so--an earlier generation, in any case.

Paul

[Frank Petruziello Member Find all posts View Profile Close Frank Petruziello]

Hello all, I thought you might be interested to see an Ersari Ensi recently added to my collection. It’s very worn in places but still nice. The dimensions are 62" wide by 65" high, very wide. The knotting is asymmetrical open to the left. There is some small evidence that the kilim bottom had blue stripes on the red ground. Any thoughts on the piece would be appreciated.

thanks
Frank

[Joe Lawrence Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joe Lawrence]

Hello Frank. That is a nice example in pretty good condition minus the area you pointed out. I have a few like it and enjoy them.

[Guest Close Guest]

Thanks Joe, I bought it online and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived as pictures only tell you so much. Any thoughts on age? I have no idea on Ersari pieces.

[Frank Petruziello Member Find all posts View Profile Close Frank Petruziello]

Sorry, I wasn’t logged in when I replied.

Frank

[PaulSmith Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PaulSmith]

Hi Frank,

Interesting piece! The width is unusual, for sure. I am not put off by the wear, myself, but then most of my collection is condition-challenged.

IMO, the two blues, the unusual size, the drawing, and the pale yellow all point to the late 19th century. I would say c.1880.

Paul

[Frank Petruziello Member Find all posts View Profile Close Frank Petruziello]

Thanks for your insight Paul, you have confirmed my speculation based on size and drawing but your color comments add to the evidence. I too have a collection that is stronger on quality than condition. Rug repair has been a hobby of mine out of necessity. Generally I first try to stabilize, such as blanket stitching the ends on this piece before washing it. Next I look for areas that detract from first impressions such as a hole or badly done repairs. Those I reweave or many times re-dye faded patches. Wear areas are much more difficult as they are hard to blend in, where do you stop? This rug has many wear areas most of which will be left as is. The central wear area however is a distraction to seeing the prices as a whole. I am going to test a few ways to make that area less noticeable. Will post here the results.

Thanks again for the information
Frank

[Joe Lawrence Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joe Lawrence]

I really enjoy seeing the wear areas in the correct places like on an Ensi. I like to speculate it was actually used for its intended purpose. It’s a wonderful piece.

[Frank Petruziello Member Find all posts View Profile Close Frank Petruziello]

I agree, rugs woven for the use as intended are special. I have a few prayer rugs that were obviously used as such regularly. In this case the wear in the elim is consistent with an Ensi. The middle wear appears to me from use on the floor.