Handwoven Kilim Rugs: Turkish Weaving with a Storied History
Kilim rugs are a handmade, flat-woven carpet with no piles or knotted fluff. Although the word kilim is of Turkish origin, kilim rugs have been made in Turkey, Persia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Morocco, the Balkans and Scandinavia, proving the flat-weaving technique spread far. Because these antique rugs are found across the globe, each region has a different pronunciation and spelling of the name Kilim.
Most experts believe kilims originated in the Anatolia region of modern day Turkey. The earliest examples of kilim rugs date back as far as the 4th century AD, although there is evidence the flat-weave technique probably began at about 1,000 BC in Egypt.
Qashgahii kilims from the Zagros region, along with Turkoman and baluch kilims from eastern Iran and central Asia, are among the styles now highly coveted by those who buy kilim rugs.
Construction
The techniques used to make vintage kilim rugs have changed little over the centuries. Whereas a pile rug is made by knotting short strands of different color onto warps and held together by pressing the wefts tightly against each other, the design of a Kilim rug is made by interweaving the variously colored wefts and warps.
The simple interlocking strands of wool, hair or fiber requires no backing, so Kilim carpets are thinner than traditional Persian rugs and Oriental rugs, making them popular as tapestries or use as bed coverlets.
The Distinctive Motifs and Colors of Kilim Carpets
Common motifs found in Kilim carpets include serrated leaf elements, zig-zag crenellations, shield medallions, diamond borders, and geometric designs. Many of the geometric motifs in kilims – “ramshorn” motifs and serrated medallions or “ashiks” – traveled with nomads as they spread to the Middle East. Elements such as perennials, pomegranates and fronds are popular in modern kilim carpets and vintage kilims alike.
The wide-ranging palette of reds, greens, oranges, and browns in antique Kilim carpets demonstrate the quality of dyes early Anatolian weavers had at their disposal. Many traditional kilim rugs feature warm, muted colors as the primary hues, with cooler tones used to create points of contrast.
The flat-weaving technique used to make Kilim rugs makes it difficult to produce continuous separations of color, so Kilims often have a stepped or crenelated appearance.
A Traditional Kilim Was Practical Before It Was Decorative
Woolen kilims are known for their strength and versatility. Long before Kilims became decorative pieces, tribal communities used them as floor coverings; as bedding or clothing; as horse blankets; for storage of grains; or draped as a shelter against the weather.
Lightweight and easy to transport, Kilims are especially popular in rug-weaving centers with warm climates, where shaggy rugs were not needed to keep warm.
Buying Antique Kilim Rugs and Contemporary Kilims
For many decades, antique Kilim rugs were considered artifacts of primordial tribal design unaffected by the influence of high art or foreign culture. Once overlooked as low status items, antique Kilims are now cherished as examples of the authentic weaving tradition of the Middle East.
We pride ourselves on a distinctive collection of Kilims. For those interested in buying vintage Kilim rugs, our collection of antique carpets offers an extraordinary range of designs and colors. We also carry a vast selection of more modern Kilims for the contemporary home. Shop online or contact us at our Charlotte, North Carolina location to shop for kilim carpets that reflect your style.
Bokhara rugs are a type of Oriental rug with a unique design. What makes this design distinct — whether you’re talking about Pakistan Bokhara rugs or Bokhara rugs made in Iran — is that each one typically features side-by-side rows of guls (a medallion design) surrounded by decorative geometric patterns. Because of this, Bokhara Oriental rugs are easy to spot and widely beloved throughout the world.
Rug Source stocks a large variety of Bokhara rugs for sale, available in various color schemes and sizes. Find everything from small, 1-foot-by-2-foot designs to large, 10-foot-by-14-foot Bokhara area rugs. Known for their high quality, beauty and durability, these pieces make exquisite focal points anywhere they’re placed.
A Basic Guide to Buying Bokhara Rugs
When you’re looking for a quality Bokhara rug, there are several factors to consider. You want to choose a rug you’ll love for many years to come. To help you through the buying process, we’ve created this brief guide for you to reference while shopping.
If you have any questions not covered below, please contact us anytime. Our experts are happy to answer your questions and help you find the kind of Bokhara rugs you’ll love for a lifetime.
Background:
The term Bokhara comes from a location in Central Asia where the Tekke and Salor tribes lived. It’s come to be used to describe what are considered Tekke-faced rugs, which may incorporate ideas from both tribes. That’s because, when the Tekke conquered the Salor tribe, many historians believe they assimilated with the Salors’ ideas. Today, Bokhara rugs are made in many parts of the world, including Pakistan, Iran, India, Turkey, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Shape and Design:
A Bokhara rug is typically rectangular in shape, although there are some that are square. You will see varieties in many color schemes, and the specific style and feel will depend on where the rug was made.
Pakistani Bokharas, which tend to use a predominantly cotton base, are some of the most popular handmade rugs anywhere. They feature a soft, thick pile, as well as a luxurious feel.
Central Asian Bokharas usually are mostly made of wool, and they feature a tighter, denser pile.
There are also Afghani Bokharas made with wool, cotton or silk bases, usually in reddish colors.
Finding Genuine Bokhara Area Rugs at Rug Source
When it comes to antique Bokhara rugs, there’s no better place than Rug Source. As the largest online retailer of area rugs, we promise the lowest online prices and even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our rugs are priced 60 to 70 percent below retail and 30 to 40 percent lower than our direct competitors. Browse our online catalog or visit our showroom in Charlotte to find something that’s perfect for you, whatever your aesthetics or budget.
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