OLD ORIENTAL CARPET

KILIMS AND FLAT WEAVES 2

THIS SECTION shows a selection of flat woven rugs often called kilims. Sometimes they are just a plain weave with different colours and designs but they also frequently are embellished with designs in knotted pile and various forms of embroidery.

In Morocco, larger pieces are known as "hanbels" and smaller ones which are used for capes are "handiras". Flat weaves are used extensively in dwellings as curtains, covers and bedding. Capes are used to counter the intense winter cold in the mountains. Small pieces are used as horse covers and decorations

This group of weavings is for use in daily life and also for ceremony and special occasions.

Please send any enquiries to me at ldrowcroft@gmail.com

THIS ELDERLY BERBER LADY first covered the back of her faithful donkey with a kilim animal cover, then added her leather saddle bags and two additional kilims for comfort before riding side saddle into the market near Ourika, a town in the foothills of the High Atlas south of Marrakech. Owners have a well used kilim cover for their horse or donkey for daily use but often keep a special one for celebrations. These covers are becoming really scarce now and the shipment of 5 pieces which just arrived has taken 4 months to find. They are such versatile pieces for our decor and add a fascinating item as a table cover, a throw over a bench or sofa and as a wall hanging.

MOROCCAN HIGH ATLAS BERBER KILIM. Prepare for a surprise! Although this looks like a carpet, and can serve as one, it is a giant storage bag. At one end the tying loops are an integral part of the end finish and at the other there is a row of corresponding slits through which the loops will go once the carpet is folded in two. In the small interiors of Berber huts and tents multi-purpose items are often made. When folded and secured as a giant tent bag it would be used for storage of grain or filled with other weavings and serve as a bed at night and a divan for day time seating. This rare piece is from the Ait Bou Ichaoen Berbers in the extreme eastern end of the High Atlas Mountains. A carpet with a similar weave and almost identical colours is shown in `Maroc - Tapis du Tribus` in the section of pages 87 to 96. Ref. 2188. Size (opened) 239 x 150 cms, 7ft 10ins x 5ft. Euros 475.

MOROCCAN HIGH ATLAS BERBER KILIM. Prepare for a surprise! Although this looks like a carpet, and can serve as one, it is a giant storage bag. At one end the tying loops are an integral part of the end finish and at the other there is a row of corresponding slits through which the loops will go once the carpet is folded in two. In the small interiors of Berber huts and tents multi-purpose items are often made. When folded and secured as a giant tent bag it would be used for storage of grain or filled with other weavings and serve as a bed at night and a divan for day time seating. This rare piece is from the Ait Bou Ichaoen Berbers in the extreme eastern end of the High Atlas Mountains. A carpet with a similar weave and almost identical colours is shown in `Maroc - Tapis du Tribus` in the section of pages 87 to 96. Ref. 2188. Size (opened) 239 x 150 cms, 7ft 10ins x 5ft. FOLDED OVER AND SECURED FOR USE AS A STORAGE BAG.

MOROCCAN BERBER KILIM. The weaver has used the blends of colours found in the vast desert areas of Morocco with outstanding effect. Sand, terracotta, light brown, a hint of sunset orange and light morning mist blend to together and provide a calm a subtle look. Cotton has been used as part of the foundation because it provides weight and ensures a totally flat rug. Fascinating and durable rug inspired by the local limited landscape. Reference 3434. Size 198 x 110 cms., or 6ft. 6ins. x 3ft. 7ins. Euros 220.

CLOSE UP shows a section of an embroidered band which the weaver has used for decoration at each end. The binding/overcasting on the borders is both decorative and functional as its weight helps to keep the kilim flat.

KILIM with a most unusual shape which suggests it could have been woven to order or for a specific place and use. I think it is from the small town of Saveh in northern Iran where these pieces, together with those from neighbouring Qazvin, are usually found in the bazaar of Zarand and sometimes are sold under this name. The kilim is woven with undyed hand spun white wools of varied shades and thickness . The repeated flowers or trees are typical designs but the meaning of the two central panels is a mystery so far. Reference 3433. Size 170 x 200 cms., or 5ft. 7ins. x 6ft. 7ins. Euros 450

CLOSE UP of the top left hand corner showing wools, designs, fringes and overcasting.

RAJASTHAN APPLIQUE TAPESTRY USED AS A BED COVER OR CURTAIN. Little is wasted in rural India. The re-using of older textiles and incorporating them in the designs of newly made larger items is a skill in itself. Here a whole herd of elephants is made from matching fragments and are portrayed crossing a sun drenched landscape. Similar pieces using a variety of animals which play such an important part in Indian daily can be seen in the excellent text book "Traditional Indian Textiles" by John Gillow and Nicholas Barnard. Use it as a powerful wall hanging, table cover or a throw over a sofa or bench. Reference 3456. Size, approx. 270 x 190 cms or 6ft 3 inches. Euros 120.

CLOSE UP OF ONE CORNER. Each elephant is adorned with a sumptuous saddle cloth. All made from fragments.

OLD INDIAN TORAN DECORATION. Ceremony is a vital part of Indian life and every participant, human and otherwise, is decorated for the big day. The people, the dwelling, the animals and any form of transport all have their special attire. The "Toran" is used all over India and is a specially shaped textile which hangs over the door of the dwelling where the main event is celebrated. It is is made in the tradtional way, either new for the occasion or rejuvinated with fragments. This is an old example and shows the wealth of wild flowers of the region and the inevitable elephant in the distance. Reference 3454. Size 35 x 184 cms., or 14 x 72 inches. Euros 75.

CLOSE UP of the special shape of the Toran door hanging. Each piece which hangs down is embellished with a local design.

ANTIQUE INDIAN EMBROIDERED COVER called a Chakla which often start life as a fine dowry piece and then serves as a multi functional embroidery in the home. This is a piece of exceptional fineness. Its graceful curvilinear designs are so fine and intricate. It originates from the area of Kutch in the Province of Gujurat in north west India. The land is harsh and monotone and the inhabitants relieve the monotony by the use of vibrant colours. Several examples are shown in the outstanding text book "Traditional Indian Textiles" by Gilow and Barnard. There is a panel from the blouse of a shepherdess of the Rabanji caste which has very similar designs and colouring for comparison on page 72. Reference 3460. Size 52 x 56 cms., or 21 x 22 inches. Euros 90.

CLOSE UP showing the central design surrounded by the most intricate and delicate embroidered portrayals of flowers, jewelry and several different ceramic or glass containers. This is a very old example dating from the period around 1890 to 1920. The linen backing has worn in a few small areas and has been carefully replaced. The cover owes its excellent condition due to the fact it was framed and hung out of strong lighting for decades.

ANTIQUE INDIAN EMBROIDERED COVER called a Chakla which often start life as a fine dowry piece and then serves as a multi functional embroidery in the home. This is a piece of exceptional fineness. Its graceful curvilinear designs are so fine and intricate. It originates from the area of Kutch in the Province of Gujurat in north west India. The land is harsh and monotone and the inhabitants relieve the monotony by the use of vibrant colours. Several examples are shown in the outstanding text book "Traditional Indian Textiles" by Gilow and Barnard. All four sides are embelished with fine small tassels, each bound tightly at the neck and further decorated with a glass or ceramic bead. A tiny white sea shell completes the adornment. Reference 3461. Size 58 cms., or 21 inches square. Euros 90.

CLOSE UP showing the six fine borders encasing the central panel of four large floral designs. Small, and in some cases tiny, motifs of jewelry, flowers and urns are scattered randomly in the spaces. Beautiful early 20th century antique work.

BERBER CEREMONIAL SASH which often forms part of the sumptuous array of clothing worn by Berber women for ceremony. This example has a row of hand made tassels at each end. The colour scheme is carried through the range of primitive jewelry which completes the overall dress scheme. Reference 3377. Size 102 x 78 cms., or 40 x 31 inches. The piece has been attached to a display board. Euros 75.

The young Berber lady wearing a very similar shawl was attending a "date festival" in the southern town of Erfourd. In these festivals men and women meet over a few days in the hope of finding a husband/wife. Best clothes are worn. These festivals are held once a year in many of the Berber areas of rural Morocco. The one in Ilmilchil in the Middle Atlas is the largest. The photo appears in the very useful book "Arts and Crafts of Morocco", by American author James E. Jereb.

CENTRAL ASIAN HAT FROM KYRGYZSTAN - which are worn by men for ceremonial occasions. The top is made from felt which is a combination of wool and reeds pulped until they become a fabric- like sheet and then left to dry. This material is supple, lightweight and so windproof it is used as the outer skin for the yurts of many Central Asian nomads. The white is significant and is a portrayal of the endless snow which abounds. The top is divided into four quarters which symbolise the four seasons. The inside is lined with heavy duty cotton for the crown and black velvet for the inner rim. A fascinating artifact from a very remote country. There is a similar example in the Volkerkunde Museum in Berlin. Reference 3435. Size is 34 cms., or 14ins. wide by 23 cms., or 10ins. high. Euros 65.

CLOSE UP OF THE INNER LINING made for colour and to aid identification.

MOROCCAN HEAD COVER FOR A SMALL CHILD. Much of inland Morocco suffers freezing winters and this soft white felt head and shoulder cover is windproof and snug. The maker has stitched a delicate design in pale blue. Reference 3378. Size 62 cms., or 25 inches high. Euros 65.

THIS IS ALMOST A MINI SHOULDER CAPE as well and head cover. The embroidery is fine and an indication of the care which went into the making.

HEAD COVER FROM UZBEKISTAN FOR SMALL CHILD which is lightly padded and a snug fit to protect from the cold. The cotton hat is decorated with strips of typical Uzbek embroidery. Reference 2802. Size approximately 23 cms., or 9 inches high. Euros 40.

THE TOP AND EDGES OF THE HAT are decorated with Uzbek embroidery.

A PILE OF 5 SILK UZBEK CUSHION COVERS which will add a sumptous display on a plain sofa or bench. The bright colours are a deliberate contrast to the endless drab plains of Central Asian when scattered in the yurts. References 3290 to 3294. Sizes 45 x 45 cms., or 18 inches square (approxoximately). Euros 95 the set.

ONE OF THE CUSHION COVERS DISPLAYED IN FULL.

YEMENI WOMAN'S EMBELLISHED HAT upon which a multitude of coins, charms, beads of amber and coral, amulets and other superstitious and unusual items are displayed. Most rare is the use of an Austrian Maria Theresa Thaler silver coin dated 1780. These coins were widely used as some measure of monetry stability in the Horn of Africa states in the early 1900s. The current value of this one in good condition is around USD 165, however it is now diminished because it was damaged when being mounted as part of a necklace in the late 1800s. The photo shows the back of the cap. Reference 3450. Size 26 x 39 cms., or 10 x 16 ins. Euros 140.

CLOSE UP of just one of the large variety of items used to decorate the cap. This large silver coin is a 1780 thaler Maria Teresa coin many of which, with others of smaller denomination values, were introduced by the Italian occupiers of the Horn of Africa States in the early 1900s. It was an effort to try and find a common currencey for these states as well as some nearby Gulf countries. The cap has two more smaller silver coins hiding in the overall decorative field. A similar, but much more simple, cap is shown as colour plate 149 in the excellent book "Embroidered Textiles" by Sheila Paine.

KALAGA VINTAGE APPLIQUE TAPESTRY FROM MYANAMAR (BURMA). Historically these tapestries were made as decorative wall hangings for the Royal Palace and other important buildings. They depict scenes from poems and Buddhist mythology. Reference 3472. Size 47 cms., or 19 ins. square (framed), Euros 65.

CLOSE UP shows a peacock with a fully extended multi coloured tail. Kalagas are hand woven usually on a cotton or lined base and the designs are made up of cotton, silks, velvet. glass and ceramic beads, metal wire, coral and hundreds of hand stitched sequens. The central figure, human or animal, is woven on top of a padded section of the base to provide a relief effect.

CLOSE UP shows the central design of a water buffalo dressed in fine decoration for a ceremonial occasion. The design stands out because it is woven onto a padded background.

KALAGA VINTAGE APPLIQUE TAPESTRY FROM MYANAMAR (BURMA). This vintage example of the ancient skill features a water buffalo, a sacred animal, as a central design. Reference 3473. Size 47 cms., or 19 inches square (framed). Euros 65.

CLOSE UP showing this chubby elephant in full cermonial regalia. In addition to the major embroidered saddle cloth he has covers for his head and all four legs. The circle of beads which surround him is made up of hand cut opaque glass which reflect the light.

KALAGA VINTAGE APPLIQUE FROM MYANAMAR (BURMA). The elephant plays an important part in working and ceremonial life in the region and is celebrated as the focal point of this tapestry. Reference 3471. Size 47 cms., or 19 inches square. Euros 65.

CLOSE UP of the very effective way the central design is featured on a raised base allows it to catch the light. The animal cover which adorns the elephant is very fine embroidery.

KALAGA VINTAGE APPLIQUE TAPESTRY FROM MYANAMAR (BURMA). Centre design features the very important animal in local society. The elephant is adorned with embroidered covers and decorative ropes and is dressed for ceremony. Reference 3470. Size 47 cms., or 19 inches square. Euros 65.

COLLECT ALL FOUR KALANGAS FOR ONLY EUROS 195.

TURKOMAN STORAGE SACK which is very rare and dates from the first half of the 20th century. The bag is the work of Turkoman weavers from the village of Labijar in the far north of Afghanistan on the border with Turkmenistan. There are two villages separated by a canal which forms the border. The decorative work on both front and back of the bag (shown here) is very fine, varied and detailed. The original fastening loops at the top are present as is the top kilim border with its slits which allow the loops to close the bag when full. This will make an outstanding contribution to a collection of Turkoman work - I know of no similar piece and can not find anything in the rug literature which is related. Bought from a primitive rug shed on the Quetta to Kandahar road near Chaman in the mid 1980s. Reference 0297. Size 154 x 96 cms., or 5ft. 1ins. x 3ft. 2ins. Euros 1850.

THE BAG IS WOVEN IN ONE LONG PIECE AND THEN FOLDED OVER, stitched along two sides but leaving the top open for filling with goods.

THIS OUTSTANDING BAG was found in a shack belonging to a Turkoman dealer on the road between Quetta and Kandahar in the early 1980s.