Antique Sivrihisar kilim from Turkey. 122x125 cms

This antique Sivrihisar kilim features an undyed wool background, showcasing a beautifully organic design. The kilim is adorned with small, delicately woven floral motifs, each one colored in a charmingly random fashion, giving the piece a sense of spontaneity and liveliness.

The main border is decorated with motifs of plants or trees, and, true to the weaver’s artistic approach, the colors are arranged without strict symmetry, creating a pleasing, improvisational feel that enhances the kilim’s character.

In a unique touch, the upper section of the kilim, where the weaving began, is left without fringes, while the lower end is finished with long, plaited fringes. The undyed background wool is likely camel wool, contributing to the piece’s natural, earthy tones.

In mint condition, this kilim remains a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of its weaver.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool, and probably also camel

Size: 122×125 cms

Origin: Sivrihisar, Turkey

Date of weaving: 1920-1940

 

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.