Central Asia, Ersari nomadic tribes from the 1800s. Size: 520 x 335 cm. Impressive and museum-worthy large Ersari, referred to as "court" carpets.

Central Asia, Ersari nomadic tribes from the mid to late 1800s or perhaps earlier. Impressive and museum-worthy large Ersari, referred to as "court" carpets. Very fine, with a high density of knots and extremely clear figures. Magnificent shade of natural vivid red, perfectly preserved, probably obtained from the cochineal insect. Measures 520 x 335 cm. In excellent condition with minimal localized restorations. Provenance: European noble residence. N.B. The rug has been intentionally photographed outdoors in full light to best reproduce the splendid natural colors. The small lighter areas are caused by sunlight filtering through the leaves above. The rug is in excellent condition and has no faded areas. Unfortunately, the photographs do not capture the warmth and brilliance of the colors. The rug, seen in person, is certainly much more beautiful than in the photos. The pleasant abrash presents delicate chromatic variations. Extremely rare because Ersari rugs of this size were owned by tribal rulers and commissioned for special occasions (weddings, royal houses, etc.). The Ersari nomadic tent rarely exceeded 4 meters. A similar, but perhaps not as beautiful, rug adorns the hearing room of the Italian Constitutional Court. Ancient Ersari rugs, a passion for many collectors, were knotted by the Ersari nomadic populations in a vast area south of the Aral Sea, which constituted the ancient Turkmenistan and Turkestan. These people were more accustomed to moving in small groups cyclically and continuously, regardless of the seasonal event, and were very willing, when they came into contact with interested people, to establish trade contacts that were also quite lasting. To do this, they transformed themselves into sedentary people for longer or shorter periods, returning to move once the economic relationship was over. In the second chapter of the text "Carpets of the Nomads of Central Asia", it is mentioned, for example, when, in the 18th century, numerous tribes, belonging to different tribal groups, moved en masse towards the territory of the Amu-Darya to stop and dedicate themselves to the knotting and supply of the markets of Bukhara, Samarkand and other cities. This very fine artifact, probably made to order for a high commission and on a loom expressly built for the occasion, extraordinarily represents the "force, the power, the elegance" that the typically nomadic Ersari rugs had; this is due to the symbology and archaic form of the "Gol" and the archaic Kilim-style heads, typical of the oldest specimens from this provenance. This rug is very rare not only for the fineness and impressive dimensions, but above all for the splendid shade, vivid as it was originally, of bright and warm carmine red probably made with the expensive cochineal extract. Carmine (from the Latin chermes: worm) is a shade of red that takes its name from a natural dye, obtained from the dried body of an insect, known as the carmine cochineal (Dactylopius coccus). This color, in ancient carpets, was very rare and intended for the most expensive artifacts and destined for the highest commissions. The brick red more frequently used in ancient carpets was generally obtained from the root of the madder shrub. Previous interventions of minimal and circumscribed restoration. Patina and signs of use consistent with antiquity. In accordance with the provisions of the New Code of Cultural Heritage, the selling company provides at the time of sale a detailed written photographic guarantee of originality and provenance of the works sold. The data with which the works are described and then contained in the written guarantees are expressed determinations resulting from accurate, in-depth and documented technical/historical/artistic investigations.