Khorjin Jaff Kurdish. Circa 1880. 106 X 80 Cm

For this piece, the starting point seems obvious to me: the colors.
What immediately strikes you about this piece is the extraordinary luminosity of its botanical hues. The light doesn’t seem to simply rest on the surface—it appears to have been trapped deep within the wool fibers, only to burst forth all the more brilliantly...
Indigo and midnight blue, as deep as lapis lazuli, stand alongside madder red, garnet, and coral, reminiscent of rubies. The deep greens are reminiscent of emeralds, while the splashes of golden yellow take on topaz-like hues. Ivory, chocolate brown, and nearly black brown round out this remarkably deep palette. A veritable mosaic of precious stones brought to life in wool!

This rich color palette is set within a particularly dense weave. This piece originally formed the knotted side of a khorjin, a bag used by nomadic peoples to carry their belongings. Here, the utilitarian object becomes a remarkable space for expression: the field is entirely constructed around a succession of geometric diamonds, repeated according to the same principle but continually reinvented through pattern and color. Repetition provides the rhythm; variations breathe life into it.

This design naturally points to a Kurdish Jaff origin. Historically settled in the mountainous Zagros region, between western Persia and Iraqi Kurdistan, the Jaff are particularly known for their remarkable khorjin panels decorated with hooked diamond patterns. Here, the precision of this geometric architecture contrasts beautifully with the freedom of color.

Precious for its colors, fascinating for the power of its design, this piece possesses an exceptional presence today. It is a true work of textile art. A rare, antique, and decidedly decorative piece.

In perfect condition.
Circa 1880
Dimensions: 106 x 80 cm

Laurent
Beauty of Kilims