Old Gharabagh Kelim | 412 x 170 cm | Nr. 8549

Old Gharabagh Kelim with an all-over pattern, blue-grey

Origin

Bright colours and simple patterns – that is what Kelims are known for. Kelims (also written Kilim, Qilim) were traditionally made only for the weavers' own use. Nomads and farmers used, and still use, their Kelims as rugs on the floor, but also as tent or wall hangings, blankets, cushions or bags. Because Kelims were constant companions in everyday life, their patterns – however naive they may look – always carry a personal message and hold meaning for the weavers and their families.

In Europe it is above all Kelims from Turkey, the Caucasus region, Iran, Afghanistan and the Turkmen cultural sphere that are well known and loved. In fact, in every country where rugs are knotted, rugs are hand-woven as well. This Kelim was woven in the Gharabagh (also Karabagh) region of Azerbaijan. Typical of Gharabagh Kelims are the floral motifs on a dark ground that are widespread throughout the Caucasus. This old Gharabagh Kelim is around 100 years old and a real collector's piece.

Pattern

The repeating elements of this Gharabagh Kelim rug have no specific centre. The recurring repeat pattern feels calming, yet never dull. Rugs with a repeat pattern are also described as all-over patterned.

The abstract, geometric composition is what gives this Gharabagh Kelim its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of the room without stealing attention from the furniture, the décor and the architectural elements. It settles beautifully into any setting and complements a room's furnishings in a subtle way.

Blue-grey and beige dominate the overall impression.

Condition

This Gharabagh Kelim has had admirers before you. It was hand-woven around 1920. It has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good, unrestored condition. Apart from a few smaller areas in need of repair, the rug is in good condition. We have not restored this Gharabagh Kelim because we feel it has a special presence just as it is. If that is what you'd like, we'll of course gladly restore the rug for you. Either way, this Gharabagh Kelim will give you pleasure for decades to come.

Material

Gharabagh Kelims are hand-woven and consist only of warp and weft threads, so they have no thick, upward-facing pile. Kelims show the same pattern on both sides and can therefore be used either way up. The pattern is created by the coloured weft threads that are woven into the warp.

The weft threads of this Gharabagh Kelim are made of hand-spun sheep's wool dyed with plant colours. Before the rug was woven, the sheep were first sheared and the wool was then cleaned, combed and finally spun. After spinning, the wool for Kelim rugs is dyed with natural colours in an elaborate process. Because of this traditional method, the pile of Kelim rugs feels dry and slightly furry. The warp threads of this Gharabagh Kelim are made of wool.