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

Floral old Gharabagh Kelim runner, dark brown with border

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, Iran, Afghanistan and the Turkmen cultural region 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 (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 120 years old and a real collector's piece. This strikingly beautiful, long Kelim carries the year 1873 as a woven-in date. How accurate that is remains doubtful. It is, however, most probably around 100 years old. 7-coloured warp threads

Pattern

The decorated surround (border) forms a beautiful contrast to the centre and shapes the transition at the edge of the rug.

The lavish floral motifs of this Gharabagh Kelim are elegant and full of variety. The graceful plant symbols, depicting blossoms, leaves and branches, are artfully intertwined.

The repeating elements in the central field of this Gharabagh Kelim have no specific centre (a so-called repeat pattern). The recurring pattern feels calming without ever being dull. Rugs with a repeat pattern are also described as all-over patterned.

The background of this Gharabagh Kelim is dark brown. The border is worked in lilac and grey-beige.

Condition

You are not the first to take a liking to this Gharabagh Kelim. It has had owners before you who valued and used it. It was hand-woven around 1900. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it with care. It is therefore – despite its age – in very good condition.

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.