Antique kilim from Pirot, Serbia. 180x140 cms.

Antique Kilim from Pirot, Serbia

This Pirot kilim is handwoven with finely spun wool, allowing for the creation of an elaborate and intricate design, full of small details.

The central field is adorned with the iconic “Rašić pattern”, formed by rhomboidal motifs that expand toward the edges. In the center stands the figure of the “soveljća”, surrounded by small rhombuses that bring balance and harmony to the design.

According to tradition, the Rašić pattern is not only a symbol of beauty, but it also promotes success in business and career advancement, while protecting the home from negative energy, harmful words, and actions.

We can’t guarantee that life will go your way, but what we can guarantee is that your home will look amazing with this antique kilim!

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 180×140 cms

Origin: Pirot, Serbia

Date of weaving: 1900-20s

Pirot kilims, or Pirot ćilim (Serbian Cyrillic: Пиротски ћилим, romanized: Pirotski ćilim) refers to a variety of flat, tapestry-woven rugs traditionally made in Pirot, a town located in southeastern Serbia. The Pirot kilim is often regarded as one of Serbia’s national symbols. Although Pirot is the historical hub for this unique style of carpet weaving, the Pirot kilim is part of a broader tradition of Balkan rug-making, with Pirot-style carpets found across the region, extending from modern-day Bosnia to Turkey. Carpet weaving in Pirot has been a long-standing practice, dating back to the Middle Ages.

The first known written reference to the Pirot kilim dates to 1565, when it was noted that šajkaši boats on the Danube and Drava rivers were covered with Pirot kilims. Historically, Pirot was once considered the most important carpet-making center in the Balkans, situated along a major trade route connecting Central Europe to Constantinople (now Istanbul).