Don’t know your kilims from your Persian rugs? We are here to help!
I’m sure you’ve heard the word ‘kilim’ before even if you’re not entirely certain what it is. Kilims (or kelims) are ‘flat weave’ rugs which means they are made by interweaving the warp and weft strands to produce a flat surface. They are essentially tapestry weaves. The hidden warp strands are either cotton or wool. The visible weft strands are almost always wool. Persian rugs which are made by knotting strings of thread individually into the warps and cutting the thread after each single knot to create a pile rug. Persian rugs have cotton foundations (warp and weft) with wool piles.
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Kilims are traditionally made in countries of the former Ottoman Empire, such as Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan, as functional and decorative textiles. There are many different kinds, for example; Suzani which are decorative and are embroidered with raised figures after the ordinary kilim is woven, Jajim which is a kind of striped carpet, Khorjin which are used for carrying goods.
There are noticeable motifs within Kilim weaves, being woven by nomadic tribes. Female figures occur often as symbols of motherhood and fertility, depicted as stick figures with arms and a skirt. The amulet promotes protection and good luck. Depictions of wolves mouths and scorpions protect flocks against both.
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In all they’re guises Kilims are varied and beautiful textiles and make a great addition to any household. People use them as rugs, wall hangings or furniture covers. Ottoman footstools, who’s origins are also found in the Ottoman Empire, are good examples of the latter. We stock a wide variety of Kilims at our warehouse all handmade, naturally dyed and traditionally produced including many antiques. As always we recommend trying out a few in situ and will happily provide this service.
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The Anatomy and Design of an Oriental RugBehind the bright colours and beautiful patterns of an Oriental rug lies centuries of creativity, ingenuity and the highest levels of craftsmanship.
Weavers have used the same ancient techniques since the fifth-century BC, and these techniques are still widely used across the world today. The construction of an Oriental rug, a rug made within the ‘Orient’ including Iran, Afghanistan and Persia, generally differs slightly according to the region.
The loom, a construction made of two horizontal beams which lie parallel to each other, is the backbone of a hand-knotted Oriental rug. A warp, strands of vertical silk, wool or cotton, make up the foundation, which is then attached to the horizontal beams. The weaver ties the material around the warps of the foundation using one of many different style of knots. Persian knots and Turkish knots are the two most frequently used knots. The Persian knot is asymmetric which allows the weaver to make better curves and it contributes to a finer overall design. On the other hand, Turkish knots are symmetric, as demonstrated in the diagram below.
Flat-woven, or Kilim rugs, have been made for thousands of years. There are no knots and therefore no pile – the foundation of these rugs give them their unique design and colour. The weft is woven between the warp until a new colour is needed, then is looped back around and finally knotted.
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Before being knotted, a rug is designed by a skilled artist, often solely from their imagination. Rugs, and Oriental rugs in particular, generally follow a limited number of layouts.
The design is the overall pattern of a rug, whether this may be floral, geometric or tribal. Generally, an Oriental rug will feature a central medallion, a field, border and edging.
Authentic Persian rugs are very much true to their roots, with traditional patterns and colours suited to the respective tribe or motif it was design was influenced by. They have not been adapted to suit the 21st-century Western market which really adds to their beauty – it’s no surprise that people are really starting to appreciate their true beauty and the demand for them is continually rising.
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As carpet-weaving has evolved, colours and dyes, often made from root vegetables have begun to symbolise aspects of society and even emotions. For example, it isn’t unusual for red to symbolise happiness, wealth and joy. Blue on the other hand often symbolises honestly and solitude. Brown is the colour of the earth and nature.
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We have a huge selection of oriental and Persian carpets to choose from, large and small, so get in touch and one of the team will be delighted to discuss your requirements and arrange an appointment in order to revitalise your room.
Where Are Oriental Rugs Made?Oriental rugs have always been characteristically of the highest quality and are extremely durable. However, each rug is unique in appearance- each rug’s pattern, colours and weaving techniques are specific to a geographic area or tribe. This has led to a great deal of variation in style and design from country to country.
There are many factors to take into consideration when considering purchasing an Oriental rug – fabric, design, thread-count, history and most importantly perhaps, the sheer beauty and your personal appreciation of the rug.
Kazak rugs are charming and well-made, generally of a medium thickness. They are incredibly distinctive and generally consist of straight geometric patterns, influenced by Caucasian designs. They also often contain elaborate floral motifs.
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Hand-knotted Afghan Sultanabad rugs are woven using a variety of muted tones and hues, which make the rug easy to incorporate into both modern and contemporary homes. They are superior in quality, reflecting the centuries of craftsmanship that have gone into the production.
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Rugs produced in Iran have a remarkable heritage, as you can see from our older post, The History of the Persian Rug.
Isfahan rugs made in Central Iran are renowned for their elaborate colours and intricate designs, influenced by the Persian architecture of Isfahan.
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Kilim rugs have been found to date back to the fourth century. They are decorative tapestry-woven carpets, with smaller rugs often used as prayer mats. However, they are also beautiful in the home; their bold patterns and colours blend into any interior.
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Malayer rugs are some of the most decorative rugs available. Originating from Northwest Persia as early as the 18th century, they boast traditional nomadic patterns. Rich colours, predominantly different shades of red and blue, make these rugs truly striking and they are slowly beginning to get the recognition that they deserve.
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Tabriz and Nain rugs are characterised by their weaving techniques and use of high-quality materials, colours and patterns. Made often using exceptionally fine silk, the knot density is very high. Patterns with a medallion in the centre with floral motifs are incredibly common and look truly wonderful in the home.
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Although Oriental rugs are notoriously the most beautiful and best-quality rugs available on the market, we at The London Persian Rug Company believe that the Persian rug is truly unbeatable. With their rich heritage and timeless designs, the demand for Persian rugs has risen- and we can see exactly why!
Traditional Turkish rugs are very few and far between due to the influx of mass-produced rugs working their way into Turkish bazaars.
Look out for famous Seljuk rugs which have been produced by nomadic people for centuries. Made of fine and rich silks, these rugs are often considerably large with patterns formed using various shades of red, brown, green and blue vegetable dyes- the colours in original rugs are particularly striking, even today.
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Here at The London Persian Rug Company, we stock a variety of rugs originating from across Asia- come and see what we have to offer in store, or get in touch to arrange a home trial or measuring service.
