Soumak Kelim in pure silk | 99 x 47 cm | Nr. Z-1458

Geometric Soumak Kelim runner, dark red with border

Origin	Persia
Dimensions	99 cm x 47 cm (= 0.47 m²)
Construction	hand-woven
Material	Weft (Pile): pure silk Warp: cotton
Pile height	4mm
Year of manufacture	2000
Colour	Dark red, Dark red
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

Origin

Bright colours and simple patterns – that is what Kelims are known for. Kelims (also written 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, their patterns – however naive they may look – always carry a personal message and hold meaning for the weavers and their families.

In Europe, Kelims from Turkey, the Caucasus region, Iran, Afghanistan and the Turkmen cultural area are particularly well known and popular. In fact, rugs are hand-woven in every country where rugs are knotted.

The name Soumak is said to go back to the eastern Caucasian town of Shemakha, home – so the legend goes – to the most graceful dancers in the Caucasus. Another theory derives the name from the spice sumac, which was used among other things to dye wool a reddish tone. In Persia, the wrapping technique of Soumak Kelims is also called peech baff or kayegh. The oldest known Soumak Kelims were woven in the 7th century BC.

Pattern

The decorated surround (border) forms a wonderful contrast to the centre and shapes the transition at the edge of the rug.

The abstract, geometric composition is what gives this Soumak Kelim its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of the room and never draws attention away from the furniture, the decor or the architectural elements. It settles beautifully into any setting and complements the furnishings of a room in a subtle way.

The background of this Soumak Kelim is dark red. The border is designed in lilac and cream white.

Material

Soumak Kelims are hand-woven and consist only of warp and weft threads. They therefore have no thick, upward-facing pile. The weft threads that form the pile of this Soumak are made of pure silk. Cotton was used for the warp threads. In the so-called wrapping technique used to make Soumak Kelims, the protruding weft ends are not carried back and often hang loosely from the reverse of the Soumak Kelim. This is why Soumak Kelims – unlike many other Kelims – can only be used on one side. Soumaks also lack the slits so characteristic of many types of Kelim, since an additional weft thread is usually woven in as a continuous support.