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Varamin Kilim — Persia, c. 1900
Abstract Field in
Red, Gold & Indigo
The Piece
In 1929, the Dutch modernist Piet Mondrian declared that “pure abstract art becomes completely emancipated.” He may well have gotten the idea—and his famous color palette—from the weavers of Varamin.
This Persian kilim is an unexpected work of abstract beauty. Its main field is a soft crab shell red dotted with wide lozenge motifs. Unlike the overpowering reds common to so many rugs, the color is mellowed by age and balanced by the abundant use of rich goldenrod yellow and mottled indigo blue, flecked with abrash. Sections of dark brown wool read as nearly black in contrast with these lighter hues. The field is capped at either end with rows of colorful palmettes, crisply woven throughout.
From a Cultural Melting Pot
Varamin is a historic caravan town and a hub of abstract weaving southeast of Tehran. Bypassed as Tehran grew increasingly important as the capital city in the 18th century, Varamin is nonetheless home to the vast diversity of Iran’s tribal and ethnic groups, each of which has contributed to and adapted a distinct regional weaving tradition.
This cultural melting pot complicates the work of definitively identifying Varamin’s impressive kilim output. The current piece, however, is likely a Kurdish weaving. The use of a curved weft technique and brown warps are characteristic traits, while the use of multi-ply selvedge cords suggests an older weaving.
Tanavoli, Persian Flatweaves, pp. 133–137 & Petsopoulos, Kilims: Flat-woven Tapestry Rugs, 1979, p. 328.
Condition and Use
This rug is in excellent condition with no obvious signs of use. It is, however, possible that the rug was reduced at both ends—a common practice to fit a rug to a smaller space or following damage to the ends. If so, the squat format remains coherent aesthetically and desirable for decorative purposes.
Its knotting is robust, and it will withstand heavy floor use. A rug pad is recommended to ensure it remains in place on a smooth surface.
Pure abstract art becomes completely emancipated. — Piet Mondrian, 1929
Details & Specifications
Age
c. 1900
Pile
Flatweave
Format
Area Rug
Length
185 cm
Width
150 cm
Colors
Yellow, Red, Blue, Brown, Black
Materials
Hand-spun wool on a wool foundation
Origin
Persia (Iran)
Weavers
Varamin workshop, likely Kurdish
Please refer to individual care instructions provided with the rug or contact us for more details.
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