Embroidered Bergama Kilim. Anatolia. Mid-20th Century. 115 X 72 Cm

Let’s take a moment to look at this piece...

It’s hard not to be struck by the power of its graphic design. Few colors, sharp contrasts, and, everywhere, these symbols that repeat themselves like the elements of an ancient language.

The central field is built around three large, superimposed compositions. Angular shapes, hooks, and serpentine figures can be linked to the dragon motif—ejder, an ancient Anatolian symbol associated in particular with power and protection. This motif is echoed in the numerous S-shapes that punctuate the borders, literally encircling the heart of the piece.
Also noteworthy are these spectacular ivory-colored motifs, resembling hooks, horns, or perhaps stylized dragon mouths and tongues. Their repetition gives the whole piece an almost totemic presence that particularly appeals to me.

And then there are the colors. A deep eggplant brown, indigo and midnight blue, madder red, raspberry, and dusty rose, set against a very luminous natural ivory. Ultimately, it’s a fairly limited palette, but one of remarkable effectiveness: the ivory outlines the forms, the indigo provides depth, and the reds enliven the composition.
Let’s now take a few steps back. The symbols recede in favor of an extremely strong architectural structure. Despite its traditional vocabulary, this piece possesses a surprisingly contemporary and powerful graphic quality.

I would now like to highlight one final characteristic: the balance of the composition. It is very rare to find such precision in such a small format! 

Bergama – Anatolia, Turkey
Mid-20th century
Wool on wool – embroidered design
Dimensions: 115 x 72 cm

Laurent
Beauty of Kilims