Second half 19th century, 276 x 158 cm, North West Persia, Azerbaijan

Collection VOK: Caucasus - Persia 53

A large and firmly woven kilim by the Khalaj nomads who, in 1790, were forcibly resettled by Karim Khan Zand to an area fifty kilometres south of Saveh, now named Khalajistan for the tribe. Its dense repeat consists of large, serrated interlocked diamonds deeply incised along their sides. Their outlines are accentuated by embroidery. The six white diamonds create a sense of order in the tile-like composition. The design shows striking similarities to the parmakli kilims made in the West Anatolian region of Afyon. A rare collector’s item of great graphic and colour appeal. – Well preserved, original finishes all around.

AMPE, PATRICK & RIE, Textile Art. A personal choice (Kailash Gallery). Antwerp 1994, no. 34 *** POHL-SCHILLINGS, HANS, Persische Flachgewebe. Cologne 1994, no. 45 *** HULL, ALASTAIR & LUCZYC-WYHOWSKA, JOSE, Kilim. The Complete Guide. London 1993, ill. 389 *** GALERIE NEIRIZ (publ.), Kelims der Nomaden und Bauern Persiens. Berlin 1990, ill. 24 *** TANAVOLI, PARVIZ, Persian Flatweaves. Woodbridge 2002, pl. 87

VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Caucasus - Persia. Gilim and other Flatweaves. (Text by Hamid Sadighi) Munich 1996, no. 53