Semi-antique Arab kilim from Shiraz, Iran. 260x173 cms

This vintage kilim woven around the 1950s stands out for its elegant composition achieved through a very formal thin border that frames a central field with a repeated motive arranged in a rhomboidal shape. The colours are slightly faded and include a light blue and a green. It is woven with the interlocking weave. A sturdy and solid kilim that will stand well heavy traffic.

Around the 1950s, tribes of Arab origin from Southern Iran settled in Shiraz and in the region. The weavers brough with then their techniques and motives and continued weaving kilims. 

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 260×173 cms

Origin: Arab tribes, Shiraz, Iran

Date of weaving: 1950s

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.