Old Koliai | 223 x 136 cm | Nr. Z-2649

Mottled old Koliai, dark red with border

Origin

Koliai (also Koliajy, Koliahi, Koliay) rugs are rustic, hand-knotted rugs made by the Kurds of western Persia. Koliai have a relatively deep pile and a solid, voluminous weave using the Turkish knot, and some are knotted on a woollen foundation (weft and warp threads of wool).

When knotting rugs, the Kurds draw on all the classic provenances (source, origin). They do not copy the traditional patterns slavishly, though, but interpret them in their own way. The colouring in particular often differs markedly from the original designs. Among the Koliai rugs you will therefore find the most varied designs, but usually in a rather dark palette. This old Koliai is around 45 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 surface of this Koliai 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, known as abrash, give the rug a livelier feel. The mottling comes about because the wool of this Koliai was hand-spun. During dyeing, the natural dyes are absorbed to differing degrees.

The abstract, geometric composition gives this Koliai its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of the room and never draws attention away from the furniture, the decor or the architectural details. It creates a pleasant atmosphere without dominating the style of the room.

Dark red dominates the overall impression. The border is worked in beige, dark red and beige.

Condition

You are not the first to take a liking to this Koliai. It has had owners before you who valued and used it. The fringes could be re-knotted on one side. There is slight discolouration here and there. It was hand-knotted around 1975. We have cleaned it thoroughly and lovingly restored it. Despite its age, it is therefore in very good condition.

Material

The pile of this Koliai was hand-knotted from high-quality new wool. New wool is obtained by shearing sheep gently. New wool is a renewable, natural raw material with a number of impressive qualities: thanks to the wool's natural lanolin content, the surface repels droplets of water and is naturally protected against dirt. Wool also offers excellent thermal insulation, helps regulate the indoor climate and dampens sound. The weft and warp threads of this Koliai are made of cotton. This versatile material is tear-resistant and elastic, which makes it especially well suited to a hard-wearing foundation.