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Turkish Hereke Boteh
Fine Hereke Boteh rug with exquisite Ottoman elegance, symbolic paisley motifs, precise Turkish knotting, and clear chrome-dyed colours, showcasing world‑renowned Hereke craftsmanship.
Price available Upon Request
Origin
Hereke Mountains, North-West Turkey
Circa
2000
Dimensions
1.09m x 0.72m (3’7 x 2’4)
Material
Pure silk warp, weft and pile
Condition
Perfect
Provenance
Sourced from a private estate
Composition
Pure silk warp, weft and pile. Natural silkworm silk. Natural silk used in rugs comes from the silkworm, specifically the Bombyx mori, which has been domesticated for thousands of years to produce mulberry silk, which is the finest and most widely used type of silk in high-end rug weaving.
Silk used in rugs is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms as they spin cocoons.
The fibre is:
Extremely strong (stronger than steel of the same diameter)
Very fine and smooth
Naturally lustrous, giving silk rugs their signature shimmer
Flexible and soft, allowing for high knot density
Silkworms (Bombyx mori) are raised on a diet of mulberry leaves and after about a month, the worms spin cocoons made of a single, continuous silk filament. The cocoons are boiled or steamed to kill the pupae and loosen the fibres, after which, the silk is unwound (reeled) into strands and twisted into yarn for weaving.
Description
From the esteemed weaving centre of Hereke, this exceptional rug features the timeless Boteh motif: a stylised teardrop, leaf or flame‑shaped figure, often seen as the ancestor of the modern paisley pattern. The Boteh carries rich cultural symbolism, interpreted variously as a seed, a cypress tree, or a flame, representing life, eternity, and spiritual growth.
In this Hereke interpretation, the Boteh forms are rendered with extraordinary finesse, often repeated in ordered rows or set within an intricate all‑over field. The fine weaving allows each motif to be sharply defined, with delicate interior detailing that highlights the craftsmanship for which Hereke rugs are world‑renowned.
The composition strikes a perfect balance between traditional symbolism and refined Ottoman‑era elegance, making it a versatile piece for both classic and contemporary interiors. Whether displayed as a centrepiece or admired as a wall hanging, this Hereke Boteh rug exemplifies the artistry and sophistication of Turkey’s most prestigious weaving tradition.
In addition, this rug has been dyed with chrome dyes. Chrome dyes are synthetic dyes that use chromium salts (chromium mordants) to fix the colour to the wool fibres. The process was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and quickly became popular in the rug‑making world because it solved two key problems of earlier synthetic dyes: poor lightfastness and colour bleeding.
Chrome‑dyed rugs often have clear, even, uniform colours without the natural “abrash” (subtle colour variation) seen in vegetable‑dyed rugs. Many 20th‑century Persian, Turkish, and Afghan rugs, especially those made for export, used chrome dyes and in fine handmade rugs, chrome dyes are often mixed with vegetable dyes to achieve a balance of vibrancy and natural variation.
Lastly, this rug has been woven using the Turkish knot, also known as the symmetrical knot or Ghiordes knot. In this traditional technique, the yarn is looped around two warp threads and pulled tight, creating a secure, balanced knot. This results in a durable, evenly textured pile that wears well over time and helps maintain the rug’s crisp design details. The Turkish knot is a hallmark of many high‑quality Anatolian, Caucasian, and tribal rugs
1.09m x 0.72m
(3’7 x 2’4)
Size
Material
Pure silk warp, weft and pile
Region
Hereke Mountains,
North-West Turkey
Age
Circa 2000
Condition
Provenance
Perfect
Sourced from private estate
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A Turkish Hereke Boteh rug, pure mulberry silk, chrome-dyed, woven with Turkish knot, featuring symbolic Boteh motifs that embody Ottoman elegance and cultural heritage.
Restored and curated by a fifth-generation family atelier, specialists in antique and collectible rugs since 1917
Interested in this piece?
Schedule a private viewing in our showroom or request a full condition and provenance report