Antique Bessarabian Kilim

Object Description

A beautiful circa 1920 Bessarabian Kilim with an unusual design.  We have not come across a Kilim of this type with this circular floral pattern in this size.  Wonderful pretty pale blues, hints of yellow and subtle pinky reds.  A very attractive kilim in lovely condition.  A few very small old repairs but nothing major to report.  Supplied with our anti-slip underlay this can be laid on any floor type, which helps keep them secure, flat and safe on the floor.

Bessarabian rugs and carpets are the commonly given name for rugs in pile and tapestry technique originating in Russian provinces as well as Ukraine and Moldova during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Some scholars will classify flat-woven carpets as Bessarabian, while referring to knotted-pile carpets as Ukrainian. They are predominantly from an area corresponding to modern Bulgaria and Romania. Produced under late Ottoman rule, they stand right on the cusp of European and Oriental carpet weaving.

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Object Literature

Carpets and kilims were woven with sheep wool on the vertical or horizontal looms; sometimes hemp or flax was used for the base. Woolen yarn was dyed with natural dyes from local plants and insects. A group of kilims with floral patterns were produced from central regions of Ukraine (Poltava, Kyiv, Chernihiv) Ornament consists of images of flowers, more or less stylized or branches with flowers arranged rhythmically or related to the overall pattern.

We love how the background of these Kilims have almost a wave like effect, look closely at the image to see this clever weaving technique in the reds and the subtle varieties of red dye.

Object Condition

Very good, no holes, some old smaller areas of repair but nothing significant to derive from its beauty and value.

Object Details