Central Asia, Kilim, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A gorgeous hand-woven wool Kilim rug, the yarns presenting in a striking array of hues including russet red, deep black, sienna, creamy white, warm beige, and blue-green. The primary design motif consists of repeated stepped diamonds housing central crosses. This is surrounded by a border comprised of nested running zigzag motifs in russet, sienna, and cream on the longer sides and bolder zigzags in the same color scheme as the central pattern followed by beige and sienna striations and a coordinating knotted fringe highlighted by an alternating red and cream interior border along the shorter ends. Size: 136" L x 84.75" W (345.4 cm x 215.3 cm)

The motifs of Kilim rugs carry symbolic meanings. For example, the continuous zigzags on this rug have traditionally represented the theme of running water, and the cross is a motif that has traditionally been used to ward off the evil eye. In accordance with Anatolian belief, the cross reduces the potency of the evil glance by dividing it into four segments. The origin of this motif predates Christianity. In fact, there are crosses in a wall painting of Catalhoyuk.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection; acquired in 2018 from an old Mexican hacienda collection near Durango, Mexico

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