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Dear all,
I recently acquired another study piece at a flea market that I found very interesting (and, after some lengthy negotiations, the price turn ed out to be quite reasonable). As with most of my recent purchases, it is far from being a serious collector's item in terms of condition, but I thought it might nevertheless be worth studying.
The piece is a single kilim panel, measuring approximately 365 × 75 cm.
Unfortunately, the condition is really poor. There are numerous holes, several old repairs (some carefully executed, others extremely crude and clearly later interventions), and areas of heavy wear. On the positive side, both ends have survived, although only fragmentarily, which I hope may still provide some useful information regarding its original construction.
All colours appear to be natural, although I realize that this cannot be taken for granted. At least none of the dyes has shown any bleeding after contact with water. As far as I have been able to examine the piece, the palette seems to consist of fifteen colours: undyed ivory, yellow, coral madder red, deep madder red, madder orange, light walnut brown, dark walnut brown, iron black, aubergine purple, light indigo, deep indigo, very deep indigo, turquoise blue, purple-red, and deep purple-red (possibly cochineal, although I am far from certain).
One feature that particularly caught my attention is that in several places the motifs are executed rather freely instead of being repeated in a strictly regular manner. I do not know whether this has any diagnostic value, but I found it quite charming. I also like the arrow-like motif in the main field very much, although I do not know whether it has a more specific name.
As for its origin, I really have no firm opinion yet. My first impression was Anatolia, perhaps even Central Anatolia, although this is little more than a guess. While browsing published examples, I noticed that some kilims attributed to the Aksaray area have main borders that reminded me somewhat of this one, but I have no idea whether this similarity is actually meaningful or merely coincidental.
I would therefore be very grateful for your opinions. Does the weaving suggest a particular region or weaving tradition? Is an attribution to Central Anatolia at all plausible, or should I be looking elsewhere? And, if possible, what would you estimate as a reasonable age?
As always, many thanks in advance for your time and expertise.
Best regards,
Marta
I recently acquired another study piece at a flea market that I found very interesting (and, after some lengthy negotiations, the price turn ed out to be quite reasonable). As with most of my recent purchases, it is far from being a serious collector's item in terms of condition, but I thought it might nevertheless be worth studying.
The piece is a single kilim panel, measuring approximately 365 × 75 cm.
Unfortunately, the condition is really poor. There are numerous holes, several old repairs (some carefully executed, others extremely crude and clearly later interventions), and areas of heavy wear. On the positive side, both ends have survived, although only fragmentarily, which I hope may still provide some useful information regarding its original construction.
All colours appear to be natural, although I realize that this cannot be taken for granted. At least none of the dyes has shown any bleeding after contact with water. As far as I have been able to examine the piece, the palette seems to consist of fifteen colours: undyed ivory, yellow, coral madder red, deep madder red, madder orange, light walnut brown, dark walnut brown, iron black, aubergine purple, light indigo, deep indigo, very deep indigo, turquoise blue, purple-red, and deep purple-red (possibly cochineal, although I am far from certain).
One feature that particularly caught my attention is that in several places the motifs are executed rather freely instead of being repeated in a strictly regular manner. I do not know whether this has any diagnostic value, but I found it quite charming. I also like the arrow-like motif in the main field very much, although I do not know whether it has a more specific name.
As for its origin, I really have no firm opinion yet. My first impression was Anatolia, perhaps even Central Anatolia, although this is little more than a guess. While browsing published examples, I noticed that some kilims attributed to the Aksaray area have main borders that reminded me somewhat of this one, but I have no idea whether this similarity is actually meaningful or merely coincidental.
I would therefore be very grateful for your opinions. Does the weaving suggest a particular region or weaving tradition? Is an attribution to Central Anatolia at all plausible, or should I be looking elsewhere? And, if possible, what would you estimate as a reasonable age?
As always, many thanks in advance for your time and expertise.
Best regards,
Marta
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