Antique Uzbek kilim from Afghanistan, 205x170 cms

An antique kilim woven by an Uzbek weaver from Northern Afghanistan. The harmonious composition is achieved through the combination of wide plain bands with narrower bands decorated with small floral motifs, their petal-like forms enhanced by a striking black-and-white contrast.

The bands at each end are relatively straight, while those woven in the central section take on sinuous, flowing shapes, lending the kilim an organic and free-spirited character. Particularly noteworthy is the use of yellow, a color characteristic of Uzbek weaving traditions.

One side retains its original fringes, finished with decorative knotting. All dyes used in this kilim are natural.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 205×170 cms

Origin: Uzbek tribe, Afghanistan

Date of weaving: 1940s

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.