Antique Zakatala rug, North Azerbaijan, first half 19th century. Published in Hali Magazine, Issue 78

Hali Magazine Notes: This beautiful rug belongs to a group of apparently older Zakatala district pieces with a higher than average knot density, closer cut pile, a broader and bolder palette and more complex designs than the more familiar late 19th/early 20th century types now seen on the market. This maybe the oldest of the Zakatala rugs found in the town's mosque. With its Anatolian-style central medallion flanked by Memling-gul forms, its lozenge palmettes and its luscious yellow tonality, it is easy to see why a central Anatolian (Konya) connection has been posited (mistakenly) for many Zakatala rugs.