First half 19th century, 185 x 162 cm, South East Europe, Thrace

Collection VOK: Anatolia 16

Surrounded by a narrow border of triangles and wavy lines, the midnight blue field of this unique kilim is filled with beige and red horizontal bars, their ends angled and pointed like blades. A large set of nested diamonds with outlines serrated like lightning stands alone in the basic design. The rare composition appears to be bursting with energy. We are not aware of the symbolic message it may carry, and immediately comparable examples are unknown. Hirsch assumes that this nearly square kilim was woven in a monastery in the north-western mountain region of Thrace (modern-day Bulgaria but part of the Ottoman Empire at the time) for use as a wall hanging or cover. – Signs of age and wear, various missing sections. Backed with canvas.

VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Anatolia. Kilims and other Flatweaves from Anatolia. (Text by Udo Hirsch) Munich 1997, no. 16