Koum Kapi
A term used to describe the exquisite silk rugs produced by Armenian masters, such as Zareh Peniamin and Hagop Kapoudjian, in Istanbul in the early twentieth century. These works appeared in response to a renewal of interest in 16th and 17th century rugs and various international carpet exhibitions. The weavers mastered the art of raised work – especially for calligraphic inscription – with metallic threads and weaving with coloured silks. The most familiar design is known as the Sultan’s Head. The carpets were produced in different palette combinations with quality sometimes achieving over 1000 knots per square inch. Some astonishing carpets were made, as were small rugs inspired by miniature paintings.
Pair Silk Koum Kapi Rugs
SOLD
Istanbul, Early 20th Century
5ft 5in length x 3ft 5in width
5ft 6in length x 3ft 6in width
1.65m x 1.04m; 1.68m x 1.07m