Soumak | 190 x 115 cm | Nr. Z-4174

Geometric Soumak, cream white with border

Origin	Persia
Dimensions	190 cm x 115 cm (= 2.185 m²)
Construction	hand-woven
Material	Weft (pile): wool Warp: cotton
Pile height	3mm
Year of manufacture	1995
Colour	Cream white, multicoloured
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 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 beautiful contrast to the centre and shapes the transition at the edge of the rug.

The abstract, geometric composition is what gives this Soumak its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of the room without stealing attention from the furniture, the décor and the architectural elements. It settles beautifully into any setting and complements a room's furnishings in a subtle way.

The background of this Soumak is cream white.

 

Condition

This Soumak had admirers before you. It was hand-woven around 1995. It has been cleaned thoroughly and is in good general condition. The rug has a few faint small stains. Either way, this Soumak will bring you pleasure for decades to come.

 

Material

Soumaks are hand-woven and consist solely of warp and weft threads. They therefore have no thick, upright pile. The weft threads that form the pile of this Soumak are made of wool. Cotton was used for the warp threads. In the so-called wrapping technique used to make Soumaks, the protruding weft ends are not led back in and often hang loosely on the reverse. Soumaks can therefore only be used on one side.