Woven of undyed wool in deep, natural hues, this banded kilim is a finely woven example of the attractive minimalist tendencies of antique Persian tribal weaving.
Antique Minimalism
The rug’s spare composition is enlivened by regular variations in the hue of its undyed sheep's wool. Narrow horizontal bands of cream break up a plain composition consisting of warm, dark chocolate brown.
The bands are stacked end to end without a border or the intrusion of conventional tribal motifs, lending the rug a distinctly modern sensibility. However, the subtle gradations inherent to the wool ensure that it remains lively and dynamic.
The rug is constructed of two narrow panels likely woven as a single continuous strip. It was then cut to length and joined at the center with a heavy, plied wool thread. The precise alignment of bands along the center seam speaks to the weaver’s precise control at the loom.
An Innovation on Tradition
This rug inherits a deep aesthetic tradition. It belongs to the Moghan school, one of two main flatweaving traditions in northwestern Persia. Moghan school kilims are composed of horizontal bands—alternating between narrow and broad—that are often woven in two mirrored panels joined at the center, as in the present piece (Tanavoli, Persian Flatweaves, 2002, p. 50-56).
Most Moghan school kilims are bedecked in stars, ram's horns, and other motifs. By comparison, this rug is a study in aesthetic restraint. Sober, its simple composition provides little margin for error. In addition, wholly undyed rugs of this kind are exceedingly rare.
This rug comes from the personal collection of the late scholar John D. Wertime, who authored and edited numerous books on rugs and textiles during a prolific career. Unusual composition and provenance burnish the rug’s collectability, on top of its decorative potential.
Condition and Use
The rug is in very good condition. It has several small areas of well-executed old repairs. The rug’s sides are in good condition, and the original ends—folded over and sewn down—are intact.
Due to the fineness of its weave, the rug is light for its size. Its high-quality wool will withstand normal foot traffic, but its lightness and the absence of a reinforced or selvedge edge mean a rug pad is recommend to anchor it in place.
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