Vintage Dursunbey kilim from Turkey. 273x180 cms

Vintage Dursunbey Kilim with Unique Abrash Detail

At first glance, this vintage Dursunbey kilim appears to follow traditional design. However, a closer look reveals a remarkable feature that sets it apart. Typically, Dursunbey kilims showcase cicim-woven motifs on deep red or black backgrounds. In this piece, the weaver chose a background with pronounced abrash—subtle, intentional color variations—that create a striking and dynamic backdrop for the decorative motifs.

While each horizontal band features identical cicim motifs, the weaver introduced a sense of asymmetry and creativity by varying the colors of these motifs. It’s a subtle yet artistic use of color that adds character and depth.

This kilim is thick, sturdy, and ideal for high-traffic areas. It has undergone some small repairs—please refer to the photos for details.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 273×180 cms

Origin: Dursunbey, Turkey

Date of weaving: 1970

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.