Koliai | 183 x 65 cm | Nr. Z-472

Geometric Koliai runner, dark red with border and diamonds

Origin	Persia
Dimensions	183 cm x 65 cm (= 1.19 m²)
Construction	hand-knotted
Material	Pile: wool Weft & Warp: cotton
knots per m²2	200.000
Pile height	7mm
Year of manufacture	1980
Colour	Dark red
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

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 their rugs, the Kurds draw on all the classic provenances (source, origin). They don't copy the traditional patterns slavishly, though — they interpret them in their own way. The colouring in particular often differs markedly from the original patterns. That's why you'll find the most varied designs among Koliai rugs, usually in a rather dark palette.

Pattern

The edge of the rug is framed by a surround (border). The border forms a splendid contrast to the centre.

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.

In the pattern of this Koliai it is above all the diamonds that stand out. A diamond is a rhombus standing on one of its points, and in the Oriental rug its four equal sides can be serrated, stepped or set with hooks. The diamond is one of the oldest basic forms in the Oriental rug. In the Islamic world it carries a symbolic meaning: it stands for the immortality of the soul. That is why it is so often found as a filler motif.

The repeating elements of this Koliai rug have no specific centre. The recurring repeat pattern feels calming, yet never dull. Rugs with a repeat pattern are also described as all-over designs.

The overall impression is dominated by dark red. The border is worked in dark red and light red.

Condition

This Koliai has a story to tell. It was hand-knotted around 1980. We have cleaned it thoroughly and lovingly restored it. That is why – despite its age – it is 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.