Semi-antique Çanakkale kilim from Turkey. 223

A lovely 1960s kilim featuring a plain ground enriched with cicim decoration. This piece displays a beautiful abrash, or natural colour variation, across the main field: the upper section is woven in red-terracotta tones, while the lower area transitions into deeper, warmer hues such as dark red and maroon.

The main borders run along the longer sides of the kilim, while the shorter ends are framed by very fine, understated borders that subtly define the composition.

All decorative motifs throughout the piece are executed using the cicim weaving technique, adding texture and depth to the otherwise minimal background.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 223×153 cms

Origin: Çanakkale, Turkey

Date of weaving: 1960s

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.