Antique Kelim | 155 x 102 cm | Nr. Z-4177

Antique Kelim

Availability	In stock | Delivery time: 1–3 working days
Origin	Turkey
Dimensions	155 cm x 102 cm (= 1.58 m²)
Construction	hand-woven
Material	Weft (pile): wool (hand-spun, natural dyes) Warp: wool
Pile height	3 mm
Year of manufacture	1880
Condition	pre-owned and cleaned
Colour	multicoloured
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

Origin

Luminous colours and simple, geometric patterns – that is what Kelim rugs are loved for all over the world. Kelims (also written Kilim, Qilim) were traditionally made for the weavers' own use only. 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, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Turkmen cultural area that are known and loved. In fact, rugs are hand-woven in every country where rugs are knotted.

This antique Kelim is a collector's piece. It is around 146 years old, and that alone makes it a truly special piece. Antique rugs like this Antique Kelim are as sought after as ever and fetch top prices at renowned auction houses.

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 made of hand-spun sheep's wool dyed with plant dyes. Before the rug was woven, the sheep were first shorn 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 Kelim are made of wool.

Condition

This Antique Kelim has a story to tell. It was hand-woven around 1880. It has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good but unrestored condition. The pile is badly damaged. The fringes could do with a repair. We have not restored this Antique Kelim, because we feel it has a special presence exactly as it is. If you would prefer otherwise, we are of course happy to restore the rug for you. Either way, this Antique Kelim will give you pleasure for decades to come.