Semi-antique Elbistan kilim from Turkey. 298×150 cms

Unique Elbistan Kilim with Contrasting Bands and Cicim Embroidery

This striking Semi-antique Elbistan kilim from Turkey was woven on a narrow loom, which meant the artisan needed to create three long panels and join them together to achieve the full width. In many kilims, these joins are subtly hidden by matching background colors and using invisible stitching. But in this piece, the weaver celebrated the structure of her work by using bold, contrasting bands in red and white, turning the construction into a key design element.

Each of the three panels is beautifully and skillfully adorned using the traditional cicim (jijim) technique, adding texture and intricate detail across the surface—a true showcase of craftsmanship and creativity.

The kilim has one small repair.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 298×150 cms

Origin: Elbistan, Turkey

Date of weaving: 1960s

Kilims or Gilims are flatwoven textiles with a woollen weft on a woollen, goat hair or cotton warp. There are many different techniques and designs. The weaver normally works within a tradition of techniques, motifs and designs specific to a particular area or ethnic group. The designs relate to her natural surroundings, protection, fertility and the harmony of family relationships. Each weaver adds something from her own creativity and sense of composition. Kilims are often woven as part of a marriage dowry and can be used to create many different objects like storage bags, horse-blankets, baby carriers, blankets and wall and floor coverings.

This kilim was hand-woven on a simple loom by a village or nomadic weaver for her own use. Probably the weaver used wool from her own sheep. The wool was first cleaned, then hand-carded, hand-spun and finally dyed by hand, often using natural dye materials like roots, nuts, berries, fruits, flowers and plants. Kilims from the last quarter of the twentieth century mostly use synthetic dyes. This kilim would have taken many months to complete.

All our kilims selected in the country of origin and are professionally washed and restored before we import them directly from Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan. Natural patina and charming imperfections in design and colour (abrash) are highly valued characteristics of hand-woven kilims.