Antique Gharabagh Kelim | 469 x 150 cm | Nr. 12397

Antique Gharabagh Kelim

Delivery time	2 days
Origin	Persia
Dimensions	469 cm x 150 cm (= 7.04 m²)
Construction	hand-woven
Material	Weft (pile): wool Warp: wool
Year of manufacture	1900
Condition	pre-owned, but in very good condition (cleaned & restored)
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

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 the Kelims from Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan and the Turkmen cultural sphere that are known and loved. In fact, rugs are hand-woven in every country where rugs are knotted. This Kelim was woven in the Gharabagh region (also Karabagh) in Azerbaijan. Characteristic of Gharabagh Kelims are floral motifs on a dark ground – a feature found widely across the Caucasus.

This antique Gharabagh Kelim is a collector's piece. It is around 126 years old, and that alone makes it a truly special find. Antique rugs such as this Gharabagh Kelim are as sought after as ever and fetch top prices at renowned auction houses.

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.

Condition

This antique Gharabagh Kelim has a story to tell. It was hand-woven around 1900. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it with care. Despite its age, it is therefore in very good condition.