Anatolian Red Medallion Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool Tribal Rug (6'2" × 3'10")

Collected from a village workshop in central Anatolia, this striking red field rug merges bold tribal geometry with time-softened wool pile. The octagonal central medallion, rams-horn protector motifs and tulip-vine border are all classic hallmarks of Anatolian village weaving. Finely hand-knotted with the durable Turkish (Ghiordes) knot on a cotton/wool foundation, it has the mellow patina only decades of careful use can create.

Weaving tradition & construction.
Closeups of the back show compact, evenly spaced knot nodes with two red weft shots between rows—an unmistakable Turkish/Ghiordes symmetric knot structure typical of Anatolian village rugs. Warps present as ivory and slightly corded; fringes are cotton; the red weft yarns are wool dyed with madder tones. The pile is sheared low from age and use (approx. 2–3 mm), giving a supple drape and desirable vintage surface.

Regional origin.
Motifs, palette, and structure point to Central/Eastern Anatolia (Kars/Karapınar–Konya area traditions). The hooked arrowheads in the spandrels, stepped octagonal medallion, and warm combination of madder red, mustard/yolk yellow, ivory, and brick are regionally characteristic.

Age.
The naturally faded high points, abrash in the reds, and softened yellows indicate a mid-20th-century piece, circa 1960s–1970s.

Motifs & symbolism.

Octagonal/stepped medallion with cross-like rosette: a guardian/solar form centering the composition.

Rams-horns (hooked “S”/“C” forms) in the corners symbolize strength and protection.

Tulip/rosette meander border—a perpetual flowering vine for prosperity and life.
Together these create a classic naqsha of a central talisman encircled by a protective floral belt, a design logic used for centuries across Anatolian tribal groups.

Borders & layout.
A narrow guard with reciprocal running-dog and a wider tulip-vine main border frame the field; the strong yellow corner spandrels push the eye back to the geometric medallion—an intentional contrast used to energize the composition.

Materials.

Pile: hand-spun wool (lustrous, springy staple visible in the macro photos).

Foundation: cotton warps, wool wefts (the red weft shots are clearly visible on the reverse).

Dyes: traditional madder and other village dyes; the mustard/yellow shows the typical vintage oxidation and mellowing you expect on older Anatolian work.

Maker’s marks.
No woven signature; the weaving and palette are themselves the regional “signature.”

Features:


Origin: Anatolia (Turkey), village workshop

Date: c. 1960s–1970s

Construction: Hand-knotted with Turkish/Ghiordes knots; two wool wefts between rows

Size: 188 cm × 117 cm (approx. 6'2" × 3'10")

Pile height: ~2–3 mm (low, evenly worn)

Foundation: cotton warps; wool wefts

Knot density (est.): ~75–90 KPSI (approx. 1150–1400 knots per dm²) based on back closeup

Time to weave (est.): 2–3 months for an experienced village team, plus washing and finishing

Condition: Good vintage. Uniform, attractive low pile; scattered age fade/abrash; small areas of old surface wear in the medallion showing foundation in places (visible in photos); ends reduced with short original fringes; selvedges intact and sound. Clean, odor-free, and ready to use.


Warm madder-red ground with vibrant mustard corner spandrels—classic Anatolian color chemistry.

Graphic hooked rams-horn devices and stepped medallion for a powerful tribal statement.

Soft hand-spun wool with a velvety, low-pile patina that sits beautifully under furniture.

Versatile 3'10" × 6'2" size for entry, kitchen, office, or layering.

Care instructions

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slip and reduce wear.

Vacuum weekly with suction only (no beater bar).

Spot clean with a small amount of cool water and pH-neutral wool soap; blot, don’t rub.

For a full clean every few years, use a professional hand-wash service experienced with wool pile rugs.

Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the vintage colors; rotate seasonally.


Bring home a true village original—hand-knotted artistry with protective symbols, saturated color and the gentle patina only time can create. If you’d like a video, extra photos, or a custom rug pad cut to size, message me—I’m happy to help!