Antique Shahsavan Tribal Kilim Flatweave, Caucasus / Northwest Persia, c. 1900

Description

A richly patterned antique Shahsavan tribal flatweave textile from the Caucasus / Northwest Persian region, dating approximately to the late 19th or early 20th century.

Measuring approximately 42” x 28”, this compact weaving features a striking composition of alternating vertical bands framed by bold geometric borders. Deep indigo blue, brick and madder reds, warm ochre, ivory, and dark brown create a beautifully aged palette characteristic of traditional tribal weaving.

The side panels are particularly engaging, with repeated stepped diamond medallions and stylized scrolling motifs. The central field alternates narrow patterned bands with broader blocks of color and comb-like geometric devices, giving the textile a strong architectural rhythm.

Traditionally associated with the Shahsavan nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples of the Azerbaijan, Northwest Persian and southern Caucasian regions, textiles of this type were woven for practical household and transport purposes as well as decoration. The unusual construction and format of this example suggest that it may originally have been associated with a tribal storage bag, mafrash, or related utilitarian textile rather than having been conceived solely as a floor rug.

Today, its smaller scale makes it particularly appealing as textile wall art, displayed over furniture, incorporated into a collection of tribal textiles, or used decoratively in an interior.

Details

Origin: Caucasus / Northwest Persia, Azerbaijan region
Culture/Attribution: Shahsavan
Date: Circa 1900; late 19th–early 20th century
Type: Handwoven tribal kilim / flatweave textile
Dimensions: Approximately 42” L x 28” W
Colors: Indigo blue, madder/brick red, ivory, ochre and dark brown
Construction: Handwoven wool textile

Condition

Antique condition with considerable wear consistent with age and traditional use. There is loss and deterioration to the fringe and edges, areas of wear and loss within the weaving, fading, exposed foundation and evidence of old repairs. Please review the detailed photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

These irregularities have been retained and contribute to the textile’s authentic, time-worn character.

I Ching Antiques

Selected for its strong tribal design, beautifully aged colors and decorative presence, this antique Shahsavan textile works equally well as a collectible weaving or as a distinctive piece of textile art.

I Ching Antiques — Litchfield, Connecticut