Turkmen design factory-produced carpet, Bukhara
Object No. A4376
This rug with its Tekke Turkmen inspired design is an example of good quality 20th century Russian commercial rug production, and demonstrates the history of the rug-making tradition in Central Asia and its continuity during the Soviet period. The rug was made during the 5-year plan era, during which the Russians sought contra-deal exchanges of carpets and other commodities for food. Rugs of this type were the most expensive rugs on the market at that time, and this example was probably new when it was purchased by the Museum in 1952. The makers' adaptation of a traditional Tekke Turkmen design is the rug's only link with tribal production. Although well made, these rugs, which were often referred to as 'Bokhara' rugs, lack the life and movement of authentic tribal rugs and, as a result, are no longer considered to be of any particular merit. Pamela Leuzinger, Research Assistant, Curatorial Design & Society, October 2013
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Summary
Object Statement
Rug, knotted pile, wool, Tekke Turkmen design, probably made in Bukhara, Uzbekistan (formerly part of the USSR), c.1950
Physical Description
The rectangular knotted pile rug features an adaptation of a traditional Tekke Turkmen design, with 32 Tekke 'guls' in the main field and a palette of traditional, but synthetic colours - ie a range of reds, cream, black and dark blue. Bokhara rug, 6' 9" x 5'2" (LC)
DIMENSIONS
Width
1635 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The rug is made of machine-spun wool throughout and is hand-knotted using asymmetrical knots. The weaving is quite fine and the wool is of reasonable quality. However, as is typical of these mid 20th century commercial Russian factory-produced rugs, the design is overly regular and flat, lacking the vibrancy and movement of the Tekke Turkmen originals made by nomadic Tekke women but nevertheless showing the continuity of local design traditions in Central Asia during the Soviet period.
HISTORY
Notes
The rug was purchased by the Museum in January 1952 from the Commercial Attache of the USSR Embassy in Canberra.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1952
Acquisition Date
18 January 1952
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