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.
Please note: if you own a DOBAG originally purchased from Peter Linden, complete with the original certifications, I'm always interested in looking at it, provided it's in good condition. Updated 2/9/2023.
The star design, with endless variations, was the favourite of the Bilaller women and not woven anywhere else. Highly decorative with a nice rhythm they were red, blue or more rarely, ivory ground. This example includes the full range of the home made natural dyes, made to last for generations even in strong daylight. This 31 year old rug shows no sign of fading, only mellowing as the colours soften with the years. Now a full wash has transformed it with a rich, glossy pile of superb colours.
In excellent condition throughout it has kept its original DOBAG leather label, plus the essential guarantee sheet that certifies it as a genuine DOBAG project piece.
€SOLD
This quirky old DOBAG came to me via a private buyer who purchased it in Germany, probably originally owned by a short-lived DOBAG sales outlet there around the turn of the century. It is undoubtedly a rug woven by DOBAG weavers, complete with 5 sets of weaver's initials, a date 91 and an unusual Y.D. (for Yunt Dag) woven into the upper kilim end. We haven't got the name of the weaver, nor the specific village, but we have a DOBAG number Y91-267. The price would have been higher had it kept all its original paper work.
All that aside, this is a charming, characterful village rug with masses of decorations - you can spend a long time counting the cats and other animals, signatures, trees, and flowers. A perfect piece to keep young children occupied!
In excellent condition throughout, full pile, original kilims and side cords.
€SOLD
A beautiful and unusual DOBAG, featuring a most attractive range of natural colours showing the benefit of age and moderate use, all brought to life with a thorough wash. There were some minor spots of moth damage, now all expertly repaired, still retaining its original kilims and a full, glossy pile.
It comes with its original certificate and guarantee card. A lovely rug that would enhance contemporary as well as traditional settings and last for generations to come.
€SOLD
This 33 year old DOBAG features a local design known as "oklu" (arrow), here mixed with a range of quirky symbols including a house, rea;;y giving it a true, village character. It was obviously a joint family project with three signatures woven into the design, incl a Y.D. for the Yunt Dag region and finally the date 90. The striking "S" border really works well as a framework for a lovely, original piece of village work.
In pretty good condition it shows only slight, overall surface wear and a few small flaws that have been expertly restored. A charming example of the much sought after old DOBAG rugs.
€SOLD
Many would remember watching Dudu weave on two occasions in Blackrock, 1990 in Blackrock Shopping Centre and 1993 when we opened the large gallery. Watching the speed and precision, even while constantly turning her head to smile at spectators, was a sight few would forget.
I booked this rug while on a visit to her home in 1991, still on the loom, and asked her to put my initials in it to ensure no other DOBAG dealer could get it - hence the two initials D. O. and P.L.
Still in perfect condition despite 30 years on the floor it will last for generations to come if treated respectfully. A special rug of unusual shape, perhaps ideally seen in a contemporary setting.
€SOLD
A very nice runner woven 30 years ago when the DOBAG project was at its peak, now sadly defunct and gone. Good examples that retain their original guarantee certificates, and preserved in good condition, are now much sought after by a growing number of international collectors. This runner is in excellent condition, recently undergone a professional clean bringing all the lovely colours back.
Signed C.S. by the weaver.
€1900
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 been professionally cleaned after photography and the wool has a rich sheen reflecting the glowing colours.
€12750
