An elegant early 20th century hand-knotted Sparta rug from western Turkey, woven in richly dyed wool with a classical Persian floral medallion design. The central field features a deep navy medallion radiating over a ground of saturated rose, scattered with stylized blossoms, palmettes, and scrolling vines. Pale indigo and ivory corner spandrels frame the field, leading to a wide navy border filled with large-scale lotus flowers and curling saz leaves, flanked by delicate guard stripes.
Sparta (or Isparta) rugs are the product of a small Anatolian city in southwestern Turkey, where Armenian and Greek craftsmen began adapting Persian motifs in the late 19th century to meet the tastes of European and American collectors. These rugs are prized for their fine weave, vibrant dyes, and refined drawing—combining Ottoman textile heritage with the formality of Persian court carpets. This piece balances tradition and regional artistry, offering timeless beauty with a distinctly Turkish soul.
