Unique Anatolian white ground pile carpet with an adopted kilim-like design. It is from the 19th century, possibly made by Turkmen weavers in Eastern Anatolia. This rug was likely made for a specific place requiring this particular size and it was undoubtedly special in its day. The border is classic - dating back to the 15th/16th century. The rug is much younger, but the border is done with integrity. Primitive, thick piled and long - this rug measures 4’ x 15’4” and is an absolute bear of a rug. The lush, fleecy pile makes this piece quite heavy, but it does not have depressed warps. The pile is full throughout, but there are a few areas in the field and some others in the borders with sizable holes. This type of damage could have resulted from long term storage, rodent activity or possibly moisture damage. The overall impact of the rug is not badly diminished by the damaged areas. The rug was cleaned in the process of conserving it and looks and feels great. It doesn't appear to have had any restoration or re-piling and if one were to chose - the damage could be easily restored since the pile is so full throughout. The rug's flat woven ends and selvedges are original where present. This carpet is very different from anything I’ve seen over the years and a brief survey of others with deep knowledge in this area concur that it is one of a kind. a version of the rug's rare main border design can be seen in Herrmann x plate 20 which he dates to a.d. 1782, but the two rugs don’t otherwise appear to be related. This is a mystery rug with a powerful presence. The "ram's horn" and kilim-like design motifs set against a white ground speak loudly and clearly of an ancient design heritage. There is a date near the top of the field that seems to read as 1297(a.h.) or 1879 a.d. This is an impressive rug - something you might see hung for an icoc exhibition. This is for a serious Anatolian rug collector who might even want to use it on the floor - if not the wall. It would be a joy to walk on barefooted.