Semi-antique Adana cicim kilim from Turkey. 225x154 cms

A semi-antique Adana kilim with a distinct tribal character.

This 1940s Adana kilim is woven on an undyed brown wool background using the cicim technique. While the weaver created a repetitive pattern, she introduced subtle variations by randomly arranging the colours within each motif, breaking the symmetry and adding a lively, dynamic feel.

The borders along the short sides of the kilim are broad, creating a striking contrast with the narrow borders on the long sides, which feature the traditional protective “S” motif.

Due to the limited width of her loom, the weaver crafted two long strips and joined them in the middle to achieve the full size of the kilim.

All the dyes used in this piece are natural, and the wool is of the highest quality, soft and shinny.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 225×154 cms

Origin: Adana, Turkey

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.