Antique Soumak | 391 x 245 cm | Nr. Z-3328

Geometric antique Soumak, terracotta with border

Origin	Caucasus
Dimensions	391 cm x 245 cm (= 9.5795 m²)
Construction	hand-woven
Material	Weft (pile): wool Warp: wool
Pile height	4mm
Year of manufacture	1910
Colour	Terracotta, Dark Blue
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

Origin

Soumaks (also Sumak, Sumac, Soumac, Sumakh, Sumach or Soumakh) are among the best-known flat-woven Oriental rugs.

The name Soumak is said to go back to the eastern Caucasian town of Schemacha, home – so the legend goes – to the most graceful dancers in the Caucasus. Another theory traces the name to the spice sumac, which was used among other things to dye wool a reddish tone. In Persia, the wrapping technique of the Soumak Kelims is also called peech baff or kayegh. The oldest known Soumak Kelims were woven in the 7th century BC. This antique Soumak is a collector's piece. It is around 110 years old, and for that reason alone a truly special piece. Antique rugs like this Soumak are as sought after as ever and fetch top prices at renowned auction houses.

Pattern

The ornate border forms a wonderful contrast with the centre and shapes the transition at the edge of the rug.

The abstract, geometric composition gives this Soumak its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of the room and doesn't steal attention from the furniture, the decoration or the architectural features. It creates a pleasant atmosphere without dominating the style of the room.

The background of this Soumak is terracotta. The border is worked in dark blue and terracotta.

Condition

You aren't the first to take a liking to this Soumak. It had owners before you who valued it and used it. It was hand-woven around 1910. It has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good but only partly restored condition. The pile is worn in places. The fringes could do with a repair. We haven't fully restored this Soumak, because we feel it has a special presence just as it is. If that's what you'd like, we'll gladly carry on with the restoration for you, of course. We can bring almost any rug back to near-perfect condition.

Material

Soumaks are hand-woven and consist of warp and weft threads only. So they have no thick pile standing upright. The weft threads that form the pile of this Soumak are made of wool. Wool was used for the warp threads as well. In the so-called wrapping technique used to make Soumaks, the protruding weft ends are not turned back and often hang loosely at the back. Soumaks can therefore only be used from one side.