Kum Kapi (Kumkapı), a quarter in the Fatih district of Istanbul along the northern shore of the Marmara Sea, is renowned for its exquisite silk and metal thread rugs. This area, historically a center for the Armenian community, became famous for the craftsmanship of Armenian master weavers who created luxurious rugs featuring intricate designs and fine materials.
The Kum Kapi Rugs Photo Gallery features examples such as a Zareh Penyamin rug from circa 1910, a Kum Kapi carpet by Toussounian from around 1900, and a prayer rug by Avedis Tamishjian from the 1920s. These rugs highlight the exceptional artistry and enduring legacy of Kum Kapi weaving traditions.
Kum KapiA ZAREH PENYAMIN KUM KAPI SILK AND METAL THREAD RUG, Istanbul, Turkey, circa 1910 (Bonhams 7 October 2014)A SILK AND METAL THREAD KUM KAPI RUG, Istanbul, Turkey, circa 1910, 179 x 127 cm. (Bonhams 7 October 2014)Kumkapi carpet by Toussounian, an Armenian masterweaver, Istanbul circa 1900. Size 192 x 127cm. (Van Ham 30 October 2013)Lot 225, an Avedis Tamishjian Kum Kapi silk and metal thread rug, Istanbul circa 1920. Size approximately 6ft. 8in. by 4ft. 8in. (2.03 by 1.42m.). (Sothebys 24 April 2013)Lot 144. AN AVEDIS TAMISHJIAN KUM KAPI SILK AND METAL THREAD PRAYER RUG, ISTANBUL, NORTHWEST ANATOLIA Estimate: 40,000 – 60,000 USD “Avedis Tamishjian” Kufic signature in central metal thread palmette approximately 4ft. 2in. by 2ft. 11in. (1.27 by 0.89m.) circa 1920. (Sothebys 26 October 2012)
Images in the Kum Kapi rug gallery are published with permission from auction houses, dealers, collectors or museums.
