DOBAG Rugs, Runners and Carpets, Gabbehs
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.
The only unsold DOBAG piece in stock at present is # 9127, a magnificent oversize carpet woven in 1995, in perfect condition. 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 16/12/2022.
Old DOBAG prayer rug # 9150
Hand knotted by DOBAG weaver Ayse Ertosun from Orselli village, Yunt Dag, W. Turkey, in 1988-89. Size excl kilims 196 x 109 cm or 6'5" x 3'7".
This beautiful prayer rug was acquired from the owner last year, originally a DOBAG collection of some 10 pieces purchased from our Blackrock gallery over a period of 30 years. All of them were in excellent condition with original documentation, having been either hung on the wall or kept in safe storage.
As weaving in the DOBAG villages has now ceased and the project closed down the few old examples in perfect condition that resurface are now rarities, much sought after by DOBAG enthusiasts worldwide.
This prayer rug is signed A.E. and dated 1988, in original condition throughout, free of wear or repairs.
€SOLD
Old DOBAG carpet # 9127
Hand knotted by four weavers of the Celen family in the village of Orselli, Yunt Dag, W Turkey, in 1994-1995. Size excluding kilims 450 x 293 cm, 14'9" x 9'7".
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.