Kilim Kazak. Caucasus. Circa 1900. 280 X 165 Cm

La renaissance or the secret of restoration by the rule book. We're accustomed to receiving antique pieces that deserve attention commensurate with their prestige. Our gallery becomes a refuge, and the conversation begins with Saïd, our restorer, planning the priorities and the various stages. On this kilim, all the outer borders were completely redone with needlework. The warp was visible in several places, and the weft also had to be reworked here and there. Rediscovering the shades and hand-spinning the wool to the perfect diameter. It's quite an art, and when 15 years of experience are concentrated on this painstaking task, the visual result is akin to magic.
This is what explains the admirable condition of this Kazakh-patterned kilim from the Caucasus today.
The Turks have a beautiful expression to compliment work executed to perfection: "Eline sağlık". It means "Cheers to your hands". That says it all.
Let's now turn our attention to the composition and narrative vocabulary of this exceptional piece. At first glance, we can already tell that this piece belongs to the large family of kilims organized around successive horizontal bands of varying widths. The visual effect of this type of piece is instantaneous, its reading immediate, an invitation to explore its depths and contrasts. Everything is based on a perfect balance of volumes and a delightful harmony of exclusively plant-based hues, like a golden rule. The indigo blues are incandescent, the large motifs on an ecru background form like diamonds on the surface. These large motifs are arranged in groups of 4 on 4 wide horizontal bands. 16.
They represent stylized scorpions and symbolize protection.
They are separated by thinner bands with a running water motif evoking vitality and fertility. There are also smaller star-shaped motifs on thin ecru stripes, again, the protection of the Eye from the evil Eye.
About the weave and texture, I'd simply say that it could hardly be bettered if attempted at all. The piece is surprisingly light and fine, supple as can be. It's divine.
The entire history of the nomadic Caucasian populations is depicted in polychrome on an immaculate surface in the art of ancient weavings, for which their weavers are renowned, and to whom we pay tribute every day with our passion...

Circa 1880 - 1900
Dim : 280 x 165 cm

Laurent
Beauty of Kilims