RON BROWNSON ESTATE AUCTION 1 Tuesday, 4 November 2025 / 10:00 am start
An important and early 20thC rare hand-knotted carpet attributed to the Donegal Carpet Workshops Killybegs - Ireland,
Lot Details
This exceptional carpet, made in the Turkish Oushak style, features a luminous blue field adorned with star medallions, stylised floral güls, and geometric motifs. The terracotta border conforms with the central composition, incorporating matching güls, medallions, and angular forms. 341 x 332cm Crafted in the famed workshops of Donegal Carpet established in 1898 by Scottish textile innovator Alexander Morton in the town of Killybegs, County Donegal, the rug reflects a deliberate cultural synthesis. Inspired by the Oushak tradition of western Anatolia, known for its soft palettes, sweeping medallions, and generous spacing. This fine rug rather than being a direct imitation of Oushak rugs reveals the nuanced influence of Irish dye work, which imbues the traditionally inspired Oushak vibrant palette with a softer, more subdued character. The result is a distinctive fusion of Turkish design and motifs with Irish textile artistry Exhibited/Cat. Note: For a similar example see: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/arts-of-the-islamic-world-india-including-fine-rugs-and-carpets/a-donegal-carpet-killybegs-ireland-early-20th?ref=abelson.ie
