What is a Kilim?
After antique hand-woven rugs, the second most common type of floor covering among various ethnic groups in Iran is the kilim. Kilim is a flat-woven rug without pile or knots, also known as a flatweave in carpet weaving literature. Kilims are usually handwoven and used for various purposes. Generally, a kilim is a smooth-woven rug or a type of carpet without pile or knotted design.
Kilims, or the flatweaves used as floor coverings, come in various types, often differing in weaving techniques, such as striped kilims, reversible kilims, and so on.
The history of kilim weaving is dated back to 3000 years before Christ, marking the beginning of weaving, and some sources even trace it back to around 7000 BCE.
Various items are crafted using kilim weaving, including kilim rugs, kilim bags, tablecloths, salt holders, saddle blankets, cushions, saddlebags, purses, tents, black tents, and chair covers. Unlike hand-woven rugs, kilims do not have knots or long piles.
Kilims are considered superior when they are woven from fine and delicate threads. Kilims woven with goat hair and merino wool are of very high quality.
Iran has worldwide recognition in hand-woven kilim weaving and is one of the origins of this famous and authentic item.
Meaning of Kilim in Lexicons
Regarding the term "kilim" in various lexicons, we read:
"Kilim: A famous covering woven from goat hair and sheep wool. A renowned woolen garment woven from sheep wool." (Dehkhoda, 1377, 19257)
"Kilim: (1) Woolen fabric used to make blankets and winter clothing. (2) Woolen carpet without pile, in contrast to a rug." (Daei-Islam, 1364, 421)
"Kilim: 1- A covering woven from goat hair and sheep wool. 2- Woolen carpet. 3- Woolen fabric. 4- Rug." (Moein, 1371, 3387)
The First Known Kilims
The oldest known kilim discovered so far is a piece unearthed by Dr. M.A. Stein near Khutan in eastern Turkmenistan, from beneath a sand mound, with some parts miraculously preserved.
Its weaving likely dates back to the fourth or fifth century AD. (Yavari, 1389, 12)
During the Safavid golden age, kilims were woven with patterns similar to royal carpets, using gold and silver threads. Some kilim weavings from the Safavid era, incorporating threads of gold and silver, have survived to this day.
Approximately 40 delicate and exceptional kilim examples from the Safavid period (16th and 17th centuries AD) are found in museums worldwide. Safavid kilims are unique in terms of weaving, patterns, and execution, woven with silk fibers and gold and silver threads.
Themes from military epics, Shahnameh, human and animal motifs, star patterns, and other decorative and abstract elements, as well as beautiful flowers, are evident in these works. During the Qajar period, Sanandaj, now known as Sanandaj, was the most important center for Iranian kilim production. (Yavari, 1389, 13)
Dimensions of Kilims in Iran
Based on the requirements of kilim weavers, the size and dimensions of kilims are divided into the following groups:
Small kilim, woven with average dimensions of 60×90 centimeters.
Medium-sized kilim, with average dimensions of 110×165 centimeters (half-size arm).
Medium-large kilim, with an approximate size of 150×250 centimeters.
Large kilim, averaging 280 centimeters in length and 170 centimeters in width.
Tall kilim, measuring over 400 centimeters in length and less than 200 centimeters in width.
Kilims are less commonly woven in large and tall dimensions, and more frequently in medium sizes and curtains. For weaving larger kilims, they are woven in multiple pieces and then joined together at the end.
Types of Kilims
Kilim rugs, like carpets, are produced in two types: handwoven and machine-made, each having its unique characteristics. Below, we'll describe the types of kilim rugs for you:
• Machine-made Kilim Rugs:
As the name suggests, this type of kilim rug is woven using machines and kilim weaving devices. Machine-made kilim rugs have become very popular in the market these days. Because they are more affordable compared to handwoven kilims, they have many fans.
• Handwoven Kilim Rugs:
This type of kilim rug is woven on a loom just like handwoven carpets and has a much higher quality compared to machine-made kilim rugs.
Handwoven Kilims
This type of kilim rug is very easy to move and transport. Handwoven kilims have no pile and are woven by passing the warp and weft threads alternately. Handwoven kilims are woven in various countries, including our beloved Iran, the Balkans, Turkey, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, North Africa, and others.
Sometimes handwoven kilims are considered a subset of oriental rugs. However, due to the high diversity in color, pattern, and weaving style of kilims, this type of rug is classified in a separate category.
Since the beginning and end of each weft are placed under the warp threads and the beating of the next rows is done completely tightly, the front and back of the kilim are identical, and no extra weft is visible on any side.
Handwoven Kilim Rugs
Handwoven kilim rugs are a type of handwoven rug that has smaller dimensions and is suitable for specific spaces. Handwoven kilim rugs cannot be used everywhere. Like handwoven carpets, natural fibers and materials are used in the weaving of handwoven kilim rugs, making the home environment cool in summer and warm in winter.
Handwoven kilim rugs are produced in various models, and individuals can order and purchase this type of kilim in their desired designs and colors. Handwoven kilim rugs have many models in the market, some of which are more well-known, such as:
• Edge Handwoven Kilim Rugs
• Gabbeh Handwoven Kilim Rugs
• Woolen Handwoven Kilim Rugs
• Velvet Handwoven Kilim Rugs
• Raised Pattern Handwoven Kilim Rugs
• Doll Handwoven Kilim Rugs
• Embroidered Handwoven Kilim Rugs
Qashqai Kilim
Qashqai kilim is a type of kilim woven by the Qashqai tribe. The Darehshuri people are the most important producers of Qashqai kilim rugs. This type of kilim received the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation in Aban 1392 (November 2013).
The Qashqai tribe is prominent among other tribes for having suitable and extensive areas for pastures and summer quarters, and they produce various types of handwoven items with different materials and patterns.
During the summer season, the Qashqai tribe, mostly located in the Zagros Mountains, engage in kilim weaving. They use the long and strong wool from sheep, which they shear in Ordibehesht and Khordad (April and May), and then wash before weaving the kilims.
Buying Kilims
Before buying Qashqai kilim, we need to determine what type of space we want to use it for and what kind of design and color would suit our home decor. To purchase Qashqai kilim, we should visit reputable websites and stores to ensure the authenticity and quality of the kilims.
Because many websites and stores sell low-quality and counterfeit kilims instead of high-quality handwoven ones. The website https://rugeast.com/en/ offers a variety of high-quality Qashqai kilims, making it easy for you to choose and purchase.
Selling Handwoven Kilim Rugs
Today, selling handwoven kilim rugs is very profitable and lucrative. If kilim weaving is your source of income, you should weave in a way that allows you to sell the kilims after completion.
Before weaving your desired pattern, it's essential to research the market demand for patterns and select one that sells well so that you can sell it quickly and easily.
You can also advertise, visit websites, and marketplaces for handwoven kilim rugs, informing them that you're a kilim weaver, taking orders from them, weaving the desired kilim, and selling it.
Price of Handwoven Kilim Rugs
The price of handwoven kilim rugs depends on their dimensions, material, and design. Handwoven kilim rugs are priced much higher than machine-made ones because they are considered handmade crafts and have natural colors and a more beautiful and higher-quality weaving style.
If you intend to use kilim rugs in busy areas or places where they may get dirty easily, it's better to use machine-made kilim rugs as they are relatively cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kilim Rugs:
1. What is a Kilim?
After handwoven carpets, Kilim stands as the second most common floor covering among various Iranian tribes. Kilim is a flat-woven rug without pile or knots, also known as "Takht Bafi" in carpet weaving literature. Kilims are typically handwoven and used in various contexts. In general, a Kilim is a rug with a flat weave or a type of carpet without pile or knotted texture.
2. What type of Kilim is a Handwoven Kilim Rug?
A Handwoven Kilim Rug is a type of handwoven carpet with smaller dimensions, suitable for specific spaces. Handwoven Kilim Rugs cannot be used everywhere. Like handwoven carpets, Handwoven Kilim Rugs are made from natural fibers and materials, making homes cool in summer and warm in winter.
3. What type of Kilim is Qashqai Kilim?
Qashqai Kilim is a type of Kilim woven by the Qashqai tribe. The Shor tribe is the most important producer of Qashqai Kilims. This type of Kilim received UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage status in November 2013.
