From Myth to Art: Anatolian Kilims
A Comprehensive Study on Early Anatolian flatweaves from new perspectives
Ali Riza Tuna’s book “From Myth to Art: Anatolian Kilims” published in Geneva 2022 develops a new perspective for the Anatolian flatweaves as the medium of a millenia old iconographic tradition and containing some of the mankind’s earlier though processes. In this visually immersive book, the author synthetises Hans Belting’s “Anthropology of Images” with Ernst Cassirer’s philosophy of cultures. He challenges established paradigms, educates the reader’s “gaze” and invites scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts to see these textiles not merely as ethnographic artifacts, but as carriers of a complex visual language. Born from the early myths, this language emerges as a unique art form with its own style and generates works that reach the summits of abstract art. These views are supported by a detailed essay in four chapters and 85 illustrated examples. Among other important kilims, the oldest Anatolian zili to be radiocarbon dated so far, with a period of 15th century, is published for the first time.
Independently from its scholarly content the work emerges as a fine art book due to its airy design and high quality reproductions in color.
English Text 260 pages with a total of 295 illustrations.
What You Will Discover
Inside this 260-page hardcover masterpiece, you will find:
>85 Large-Format Images: High-resolution, detailed photographs of rare kilims, fragments, and other flatweaves, showcasing the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of Anatolian weaving.
>The 15th-Century Zili: The world’s oldest radiocarbon-dated Anatolian flatweave, presented here for the first time in a published work.
>Scientific Approach: Detailed radiocarbon dating results and measurement curves for seven specific kilims, offering unprecedented accuracy in dating and authentication.
>Art-Historical Analysis: In-depth essays exploring the kilim as an image, a symbolic form of culture, and its aesthetic evolution.
>Technical Documentation: Comprehensive descriptions for every piece, including comparisons with other works and references to existing literature.
>A Rich Bibliography: A curated list of sources representing both previous kilim literature and key anthropological and art-historical concepts.
“The kilim is not just a piece of ornamented ethnographic object; it is a visual language that carries the memories of our ancestors, their beliefs, and their vision of the world. This book is an attempt to start writing the art history of these textiles.”
— Ali Riza Tuna
Why It Matters
A Combination Between Art Historical Perspectives and Scientific approach
This publication stands at the intersection of archaeology, anthropology, and art history. By integrating radiocarbon analysis with traditional expertise, Ali Riza Tuna provides a new framework for understanding the role of the kilim in Anatolian society. The book is not only a visual delight but also a rigorous academic resource, making it essential for:
>Art Enthusiasts: Interested in the aesthetics and cultural narratives of Anatolian weaving.
>Textile Scholars and Historians: Seeking accurate data and new interpretative frameworks.
>Collectors and Curators: Looking for verified, high-quality documentation of rare pieces.
Book Details
>Author: Ali Riza Tuna
>Copy editing: Bethany Mendenhall
>Book and Cover Concept: FORCHIC Studio Virginie Fürst
>Book design: Ali Riza Tuna
>Publication Year: 2022 (Geneva)
>Format: Hard Cover (Sert Kapak) Printed in Switzerland by ATAR Geneva
>Pages: 260
>Dimensions: 30 x 26 cm
>Language: English
>ISBN: 978-2-8399-3359-9
>Price: CHF 90.00 (+ Shipping)
Own a new Piece of Art History
From Myth to Art: Anatolian Kilims is a unique contribution to the field of textile studies. With its rare images, scientific rigor, and profound insights, it is an important contribution to the knowledge of collectors and scholars.
Order now and begin your journey from Myth to Art!