Antique Shiraki Arab kilim from Iran. 230x176 cms

This type of kilim is called “shiraki” in southern Iran, which literally means “needle work”, although it is woven on a loom. The central field, woven mainly with natural undyed wool, is composed of a light-colored trellis motif that contrasts with the darker border woven with the soumak technique. The kilim is woven in two parts and joined in the center. In perfect state of conservation. All dyes are natural.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 230×176 cms

Origin: Shiraki-Arab tribe from Iran

Date of weaving: 1900’s 

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.