Posted by Marvin Amstey on June 21, 1999 at 10:47:44:
In Reply to: Challenge for Marvin posted by Yon Bard on June 20, 1999 at 20:32:01:
: Marvin, in the previous Salon you said 'last month I was offered an Ersari main carpet - the oldest ever available to me (I think 18th c.)'
: It would be instructive if you could formulate the criteria that led you to this judgment.
: Regards, Yon
Dear Yon,
Good question; I will try to articulate my criteria. As you know, the overall gestalt is the more direct answer; the components are the hard part.
First of all, color. All the colors - to my eye - are natural with a light, saturated green color. The color palette overall is light not dark. The border motifs which are simple crosses or carats (like this: >< but turned 90 degrees and often seen on Tekke main carpets which have been published as 18th c.) are surrounded by white boxes.
Second, design. The inside of the Gulli Gul is very intricate and finely drawn. The secondary motifs are small, squared off or pentagonal quarters of the main gul. There are random stars in light colors - particularly sky blue and green - throughout. The overall size is nearly square - a characteristic of old.
Third, wool. The wool is polished, and where it is intact, the pile is long. It is soft as kurk wool.
Fourth, handle. It is floppy and soft but with a granular back.
When the photos are back, I'll post them on theis discussion if it's still running or on Show-and-Tell. I hope I've articulated this well enough to understand. Turkomen experts will, but novices will not without the pictures which aren't done yet. maybe it's time to get a digital camera and forget scanning.
Best regards,
Marvin