Old Kelim | 300 x 151 cm | Nr. Z-2066

Geometric old Kelim runner, rust red with border

Origin	Persia
Dimensions	300 cm x 151 cm (= 4.53 m²)
Construction	hand-woven
Material	Weft (pile): wool Warp: cotton
Pile height	3mm
Year of manufacture	1940
Colour	Rust red
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

Origin

Bright colours and simple, geometric patterns – that is what makes Kelims loved the world over. Kelims (also 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, Kelims from Turkey, the Caucasus region, Iran, Afghanistan and the Turkmen cultural area are especially well known and loved. In fact, rugs are hand-woven in every country where rugs are knotted. This old Kelim is around 80 years old and a real collector's piece.

Pattern

The edge of the rug is framed by a decorative border. The border forms a beautiful contrast with the centre.

The abstract, geometric composition is what gives this Kelim its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of the room without drawing attention away from the furniture, the décor or the architectural features. It creates a pleasant atmosphere without dominating the style of the room.

The surface of this Kelim has a mottled look. The shifts in tone and the light-and-dark shading of the pile yarn make the colours shimmer and keep the rug forgiving of dirt. These so-called colour shifts, abrash, give the rug a livelier feel. The mottling comes about because the wool of this Kelim was hand-spun. During dyeing, the natural pigments are absorbed to differing degrees.

The repeating elements of this Kelim rug have no particular centre. The recurring repeat pattern feels calming without ever becoming dull. Rugs with a repeat pattern are also described as all-over patterned.

The background of this Kelim is rust red. The border is worked in beige, dark brown and light red.

Condition

You aren't the first to take a liking to this Kelim. It has had owners before you who valued it and used it. The pile is worn in places. The edges are damaged in places. The fringes could do with a repair. Parts of the border are missing on both sides. It was hand-woven around 1940. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it with care. That is why – despite its age – it is in very good condition.

Material

Kelims are hand-woven and consist only of warp and weft threads, so they have no thick pile standing upright. 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 woven into the warp threads. For every new colour, a new thread has to be used in each row. The thread ends are worked in as the weaving goes along.

The weft threads of this Kelim rug are hand-spun sheep's wool dyed with plant colours. Before the rug is woven, the sheep are shorn and the wool is 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 Kelim are made of cotton.