Melas rugs photo gallery - Explore Melas carpets

Melas (Milas), an ancient city in the Muğla Province of southwestern Anatolia, is renowned for its role as a collecting point for rugs produced in the surrounding villages. These rugs, particularly prayer rugs, are admired for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, reflecting the region’s rich weaving heritage.

The Melas Rugs Photo Gallery includes significant examples, such as a circa 1800 rug exhibited by Hans Homm, a mid-19th-century prayer rug from the collection of Robert T. Mosby, and a 19th-century piece measuring 150 x 113 cm from Wannenes. These pieces highlight the enduring craftsmanship and artistic traditions of Melas rug weaving.

See also our rug auction price guide for Melas rugs.

Melas Rug. Western Anatolia, circa 1860. Exhibitor Hakiemie Rugs Ltd — Melas Rug. Western Anatolia, circa 1860. (Exhibitor Hakiemie Rugs Ltd at LARTA 2020)

Lot 288: Melas prayer rug 19th century, 5ft. x 2ft. 11in. 1.52m. x 0.89m. Estimate: £500-1,000 — Melas prayer rug 19th century, 5ft. x 2ft. 11in. 1.52m. x 0.89m. (Netherhampton Salerooms 18 September 2019)

Antique Melas rug, first half of the 19th century. Size 113 x 173 cm. Exhibitor James Cohen — Antique Melas rug, first half of the 19th century. Size 113 x 173 cm. (Exhibitor James Cohen at Hali Fair 2019)

Lot 277. Melas rug, West Anatolia first quarter 19th century. 142x122 cm. Estimate 3000-4000 GBP — Melas rug, West Anatolia first quarter 19th century. 142×122 cm. (Netherhampton Salerooms 15 May 2019)

Mid 19th century Melas rug. Robert T. Mosby — Mid 19th century Melas rug. (Robert T. Mosby)

Melas, West Anatolia, circa 1800. Exhibitor Hans Homm — Melas, West Anatolia, circa 1800. (Exhibitor Hans Homm)

Lot 292: Melas prayer rug, west Anatolia, second half 19th century, 4ft. 10in. x 3ft. 9in. 1.47m. x 1.14m. Estimate £2,500-3,000 — Melas prayer rug, west Anatolia, second half 19th century, 4ft. 10in. x 3ft. 9in. 1.47m. x 1.14m. (Netherhampton Salerooms 20 September 2017)

Lot 277. Melas prayer rug, west Anatolia, first half 19th century, 4ft. 11in. x 3ft. 8in. 1.50m. x 1.12m. Estimate £800-1,000 — Melas prayer rug, west Anatolia, first half 19th century, 4ft. 11in. x 3ft. 8in. 1.50m. x 1.12m. (Netherhampton Salerooms 9 December 2015)

Melas prayer rug 116x154 cm. Exhibitor Alberto Levi. — Melas prayer rug 116×154 cm. (Exhibitor Alberto Boralevi at Sartirana Textile Show 2012)

Lot 848. A Melas rug 19th century 150 x 113 cm — Melas rug 19th century 150 x 113 cm. (Wannenes 28 November 2012)

Lot 7. 19th century Melas 120 x 110 cm. Estimate 400 € — 19th century Melas 120 x 110 cm. (Van Ham 30 October 2013)

Lot 5. Melas Prayer Rug, Southwest Anatolia, circa 1850, 4 ft. 11 in. x 3 ft. 8 in. Estimate ,500-3,000 — Melas Prayer Rug, Southwest Anatolia, circa 1850, 4 ft. 11 in. x 3 ft. 8 in. (Skinner 28 March 2015)

A Melas prayer rug, Southwest Anatolia mid-19th century. Approximately 6ft. by 4ft. 2in. (1.83 by 1.27m.) ,000-12,000 — A Melas prayer rug, Southwest Anatolia mid-19th century. Approximately 6ft. by 4ft. 2in. (1.83 by 1.27m.) (Sothebys 19 May 2011)

Images in the Melas rugs gallery are published with permission from auction houses, dealers, collectors or museums.