InANTIQUES KILIM RUGS
The designs of these flat-woven Kilim rugs would vary from region to region, with the nomadic tribes of different locations having their own aesthetic qualities and unique characteristics. The three regions from which traditional Kilim rugs are most often found are Turkey, Bessarabia, and Persia, each of which have their own styles and sensibilities. TURKISH KILIMS Perhaps the most commonly seen type of traditional flat-woven Kilim rug is from the nomadic tribes of Turkey. The Turkish Kilim is the prototypical vintage Kilim, with basic rudimentary geometric designs, and with familiar design motifs.
Turkish Kilim rugs were plentiful and widespread among tribes around the country, leading to a range of colors, styles, and aesthetic characteristics, but all retaining the common elements of simple geometric designs, and familiar shapes and colors. BESSARABIAN KILIMS Perhaps even simpler and more unified in its design were the traditional Kilim rugs from the nomadic tribes of the his- toric region of Bessarabia. Bessarabia was a regional area traversing portions of Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Southern Russia. The style of the Bessarabian flat-woven Kilim rugs would be similar to the Turkish Kilim rug, but with designs that would lean more toward the emulation of simple floral elements as opposed to the the larger geometric shapes fa- vored in Turkey.
Antique Turkish Kilim, 7’7” x 5’0”, circa 1930 , #28776
Another common usage of these Turkish Kilim rugs was to be kneeled upon for prayer, as in the prayer design Turkish Kilim rug pictured below, with multiple “mihrab” or prayer cornices, to be used for prayer simultaneously by several members of the family or tribe.
Antique Turkish Kilim, 12’1” x 4’8”, circa 1930, #28062
The design motifs of these Turkish Kilim rugs often took the form of simple diamond shapes, or in other cases, stylized floral elements rendered in a rudimentary way. As mentioned above, these flat-woven Kilim rugs were woven mostly for utilitarian purposes, like tent or floor coverings, connections between neigh- boring tents, tent bands, and more.
Antique Bessarabian Kilim, 9’4” x 6’3”, circa 1930, #32073
Antique Turkish Kilim Prayer Rug, 11’2” x 4’7”, circa 1930, #27207
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