Semi-antique Denizli kilim from Turkey. 212x152 cms

Semi-Antique Denizli Kilim from Turkey

This stunning semi-antique Denizli kilim features a soft, harmonious colour palette of delicate pinks, lilacs, and ochres, which are beautifully contrasted by deep blue borders. The kilim is thoughtfully designed with borders on only the longer sides, creating a unique visual effect. The wider sides are left borderless, giving the impression that the intricate serrated motifs of the field extend infinitely beyond the kilim’s edges, as though the design flows uninterrupted into the space around it.

Crafted from a blend of wool and hemp, this piece highlights the weaver’s skill in combining natural materials to achieve both visual richness and durability. Its understated elegance and timeless appeal make it a versatile addition to any space.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool and hemp

Size: 212×152 cms

Origin: Denizli, Turkey 

Date of weaving: 1960-70s

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.