Kelim | 166 x 90 cm | Nr. Z-3354

Plain Kelim, cream white

Origin	India
Dimensions	166 cm x 90 cm (= 1.494 m²)
Construction	hand-woven
Material	Weft (Pile): cotton Warp: cotton
Pile height	4mm
Year of manufacture	2020
Colour	Cream white
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

Origin

Glowing colours and simple, geometric patterns – that is what makes Kelims loved all over the world. 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, the 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.

Pattern

The pile is a single colour throughout, in cream white. The plain design is understated, yet it can also set a wonderful decorative accent. The monochrome look of this rug fits beautifully into any setting.

Condition

You are not the first to take a liking to this Kelim. It has had owners before you who valued it and used it. It was hand-woven around 2020. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it with great care. Despite its age, it is therefore 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.