he majority of the elements for this scarf were taken from an antique "Senneh Kelim" which hung on the wall at the top of the stairs whilst I was growing up. I have to say, that at the time, I wasn't all that keen on this faded old rug. It was only when, many years later, we had occasion to take it off the wall, that I finally got to see its magnificent colours and exquisite artistry in the reverse side. This rug has since become one of our most treasured possessions.
“Kelim”, literally “flat work”, were originally created by the Kurdish tribe people to adorn their tents. These “pile-less” rugs were far better suited to their nomadic lifestyles because they didn’t collect sand and were easier to transport. They were also often used to wrap other possessions for transit.
This particular example is a “Senneh Kelim” and is the most well known of all Kurdish kelims originating from Senneh, now Sanandaj. They are totally different both technically and aesthetically to the bold tribal and nomadic Kelims woven by Kurdish people elsewhere. Their flat weave technique is more closely associated visually with the knotted workshop carpets of Persia than with other Kelims. The work displayed is similar to the formal knotted carpet design frequently known to the dealers of Tehran as the “herati” pattern. The intricate motifs in the field depict small flowers, boteh and beehives, often thought to represent a garden.
|
|
Size 60cm x 188cm.
Click on image for store page
I’ve chosen 12mm satin backed silk for this design, because of its ability to bring out the depth of colour whilst also providing an excellent soft drape. Its generous dimensions of 62cm x 190cm and light weight means that it works just as well as an evening wrap or scrunched to add a splash of colour to everyday wear.
Finished with a hand rolled hem.
Store page.
Special thanks to rug-maker.com for access to their Kelim collection.