Turkish Yastik Rugs

A yastik is a small rug or bag for sitting against or leaning against. It can also be a cover. If it is to sit upon it is a minder or masnad. A minder or Minder-Yastik as they are sometimes called, is a small cushion or cushion cover for one to sit upon.

Examples:

Bergama area Yastik 

Bergama area Yastik

3rd quarter 19th century or earlier.


Yastik 

Yastik

The dark brown ground was heavily eroded and down to the foundation in many areas but has since been repaired. The red however is a brilliant madder red, which is brighter than that normally seen in Anatolian weaving.


Yastik Central Anatolia Date 1850 or earlier

Yastik Central Anatolia Date 1850 or earlier

Central Anatolia

Size 2’9″ x 2′

This yastik displays palette and design features (paired flowers and rosettes in the main border) that suggest a possible central Anatolian attribution. Yet, a field design of multiple stacked and hooked medallions hint at a more easterly venue, possibly the Sivas region.

Design motifs, both primary and secondary, are simple and well drawn. The dyes are from natural sources and are extraordinary in their depth. These include a strong reddish-orange and rich blue-green.

Condition: Very good. There is pile loss at both ends, mostly the bottom as shown in a detail view. When acquired, there was considerable oxidation of the brown and three holes in the lower one-third of the piece. These problems were addressed with high quality repairs made in Istanbul. The entire piece now has full pile in soft, lustrous wool.

Structure Warps: Wool, Ivory. Two strands, Z-spun, S-plied.

Wefts: Wool. Light orange. Two -three shoots.

Knots: Symmetrical, one level.

Sides: Two warps bundled and overcast.

Ends: Reduced.


Yastik Central Anatolia Date 1890 

Yastik Central Anatolia Date 1890

Size 24″ x 36″

Date 1890 – 1910

This old yastik has a blend of catma and pile tradition. The medallion-and-saf leaf design and the minimalist border may conform to the catma tradition, while the rendering of the principal design motifs suggests a tie to Anatolian carpets.

Condition: Nearly perfect. There are isolated areas of very minor wear. The pile is otherwise full. There are areas of good quality repair done in Istanbul. Dyes are all natural and deeply saturated.

Structure Warps: Wool, undyed, light brown. Two strands, Z-spun, S-plied.

Wefts: Wool. Dark brown. Two-three shoots.

Knots: Symmetrical, one level.

Sides: Re-cast. Three cord selvedge in perfect condition but not original

Ends: Perfect condition but not original.


Yastik West Anatolia late 19th Century

Yastik West Anatolia late 19th Century

West Turkey, late 19th Century. 1′ 8″ x 2′ 11″