Antique Balikesir kilim from Turkey. 245x150 cms

Antique Balikesir Kilim – Rare Design 

This antique Balikesir kilim features a rare and distinctive design, reminiscent of some early 1800s Balikesir Yuncu kilims. The central field is adorned with enigmatic motifs, seemingly depicting small, intricate rugs. The wide horizontal bands across the piece are filled with varied motifs, while the borders, though irregular, feature horizontal patterns that blend and form unique “hand” motifs. These motifs intertwine, creating a captivating sense of movement throughout this exceptional kilim.

Finely woven with soft, natural dyes, this kilim reflects expert craftsmanship. It has two small, age-old repairs.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 245×150 cms

Origin: Balikesir, Turkey

Date of weaving: 1920s

Kilims or Gilims are flatwoven textiles with a woollen weft on a woollen, goat hair or cotton warp. There are many different techniques and designs. The weaver normally works within a tradition of techniques, motifs and designs specific to a particular area or ethnic group. The designs relate to her natural surroundings, protection, fertility and the harmony of family relationships. Each weaver adds something from her own creativity and sense of composition. Kilims are often woven as part of a marriage dowry and can be used to create many different objects like storage bags, horse-blankets, baby carriers, blankets and wall and floor coverings.

This kilim was hand-woven on a simple loom by a village or nomadic weaver for her own use. Probably the weaver used wool from her own sheep. The wool was first cleaned, then hand-carded, hand-spun and finally dyed by hand, often using natural dye materials like roots, nuts, berries, fruits, flowers and plants. Kilims from the last quarter of the twentieth century mostly use synthetic dyes. This kilim would have taken many months to complete.

All our kilims selected in the country of origin and are professionally washed and restored before we import them directly from Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan. Natural patina and charming imperfections in design and colour (abrash) are highly valued characteristics of hand-woven kilims.