The DOBAG project was started in 1981 by Dr Harald Bohmer, a German teacher based in Istanbul - see separate page on the now defunct DOBAG project on this website. The project has now ceased to exist, the co-ops in both Yunt Dag and Ayvacik engaged in the more lucrative production of tomatoes and onions, with generous subsidies from the Turkish state. The most recent info I have is that 2 weavers still make rugs in Ayvacik and possibly a couple in the Yunt Dag but they are sold to local dealers who subject them to damaging chemical "antique wash" treatments to make them saleable to gullible tourists. Those of us involved from the beginning of the DOBAG project always knew it would have a limited life cycle and end up being an important part of carpet history.
A total of 9 new arrivals are, or will shortly be, posted here - all acquired from a private Dublin collection built up from 1990 to 2008. Updated 26/9/2021.
This charming little prayer is very similar to # 9156 although they were woven in different villages. Certain design details are different, as is scale of field and borders, signed A.A. and dated 2008. Full, thick pile, totally unused and original, this rug is ready to go on the floor where a bit of heavy traffic would help polish the pile, soften the colours and create the attractive sheen seen in older examples.
€SOLD
A very pretty little prayer rug, lovely warm colours and a lot of open space left to strengthen the composition. Note the single bird in the field. The Acarkoc family were among the leading weavers in the Yunt Dag, one of the few who knew the complex "Lotus" medallion design. Signed C.D. and dated 2009. In perfect condition.
€SOLD
This DOBAG has thick pile and dense weave, woven in a design the local women called "yeni desin" (new design), at a time when the project was almost coming to an end. It's hard to know what the main form represents but the star border has been used in Yunt Dag for centuries. Signed S.C. and dated 2009. For further info on this piece click on Recent Acquisitions and scroll down.
€SOLD
A striking small DOBAG rug with the "sandikli" (box) design, according to the weavers it represents the dowry chest which always contains a number of weavings. The colours are well combined especially with the ivory border which, in the first DOBAGs in the 1980's, was the only border colour employed by the DOBAG weavers. Signed S.A. and dated 2007.
€1500
A beautiful rug with the distinctive "vazo selvi" (cypress vase) design, cleverly drawn by the weaver, leaving a lot of open space to good effect. The warm colours, all natural, are beginning to show the attractive lines known as "abrash", created by time as the different wool batches always have a slight variance of colour strength.
In perfect condition throughout, signed and dated by the weaver.
€2400
A beautiful old DOBAG rug originally sold at our first DOBAG exhibition in Blackrock in 1990, now back with me together with 8 other DOBAGs, all of them carefully looked after by the previous owner and hence in virtually mint condition.
The soft colours have mellowed beautifully over the years, adding to the luxury of the soft, silky feel of the full pile. Note the lovely tulip panels each end, plus the playful improvisations in both border and field, demonstrating the weaver Necmiye Kara was working completely freestyle. She signed it N.K. and the little pile decoration in the upper kilim is the local symbol of Ayvacik as the origin of the piece.
€SOLD
This 33 year old DOBAG rug was originally kept in my private collection until 2005 when it sold to a keen DOBAG enthusiast from Dublin. Part of the collection of 10 pieces have recently found their way back to me and all will be posted asap over the coming days.
This beautiful prayer rug is beautifully drawn with original Yunt Dag design and local features, signed and dated by the weaver. In perfect condition throughout.
€2200
This beautiful rug, also from the recently acquired private collection, features the "Lotus" design, known and memorised (with endless variations) by only a handful of weavers from the now defunct DOBAG project.
In perfect condition throughout, signed and dated 2007 by the weaver, the original label present. Only 14 years old the natural colours are beginning to glow, the pile developing a sheen over the years which will only get better over time.
€3100
I have a vivid recollection of buying this rug. The weaver Gulseren Kus was half way through the rug on her loom which was located on the first floor, her cow and a few sheep living downstairs. One look at the quality of weave and above all the inspired play with colours as seen in the borders and secondary field motifs, made the decision easy. This is what the earlier DOBAG pieces were about, later examples often being more planned and sterile.
Now 21-22 years old, having been carefully minded by its first owners, it has acquired a sheen and softness of the colours that only time, and gentle use, can bring about.
In perfect condition throughout, original side cords and end kilims complete and intact, no repairs. Signed G.K. A real collector's piece and set to last for at least another generation of floor wear.
€3200
This magnificent, oversize DOBAG carpet was commissioned for an Irish dining room in 1994 and it has recently found its way back to me. It took a team of 4 experienced weavers, all members of the DOBAG project, over a year to complete, holding in excess of 1 million hand tied knots.
Hardly used, the carpet is in excellent original condition throughout with no wear or repairs. Since 1995 it has acquired a bit of patina with a sheen from the wool pile that will only get better the more it's used. DOBAG is now defunct and so this is a unique treasure that can never be recreated - it is also one of the largest DOBAGs we ever handled. It comes complete with its original certificate and DOBAG label.
More images available on request. The carpet has now been professionally cleaned after photography and the wool and colours now have a rich sheen.
€12750
A very decorative runner with warm, glowing natural colours and a quirky design with 10 large star medallions, each one different to the next.The S border on ivory ground lifts the composition, making a beautiful framework to the warm shade of madder red used for the field. A very good and characterful example of DOBAG work. Signed S.G. and dated 2001. In excellent condition throughout. You can also see this lot under the Runner stock section.
€SOLD
