This kilim handwoven in Ukraine during the first half of the 19th century.
It features naturalistic and nicely spaced branches with bunches of grapes, leaves and various floral forms on an open brown/black ground. Nicely framed by a wide main border of blossoming vines that meander around the perimeter on a canary yellow ground. It is woven in a curvilinear style that utilizes so-called "eccentric wefts" associated with weaving from Kiev and the regions further east. Hali magazine has published multiple articles (Issues 197 & 207) exploring these rugs which have been extremely helpful in dating and categorizing them by referencing dated examples from the archive of the Ukrainian Decorative Folk Art Museum. The combination of eccentric wefts, coloration and the subject of grapes help attribute this example to Kiev or nearby Chernihiv.
Due to a more fragile linen foundation found on these earlier pieces, it has been repaired many times over its long life creating a wonderful palimpsest most notably in the brown/black field where multiple repairs have patinated into different shades over time. This attests to both it's advanced age and the care that previous generations afforded it.
In Good condition for it's significant age. Various layers of repair over its long life including recently being professionally backed and secured by Heirloom.
Size: 6'6" x 10'2" [198 cm x 310 cm]
Age: Early to Mid 19th Century
Origin: Ukraine
Type of Textile: Tapestry
Material: Wool on Linen
Pile Height: N/A
Condition: Good; Various layers of repair over its long life including recently being professionally backed.
TX396
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