Turkmen Chuval Yomut. Circa 1870. Museum-quality Condition. 113 X 80 Cm

When I first began my journey as a collector, these extraordinary pieces existed for me only in the world of books. I discovered them in major works on the art of textiles, accompanied by captions stating that they came from prestigious private collections or were housed in museums.

I used to admire them from afar, never imagining that one day I, too, would have the chance to hold such treasures in my hands. Even today, encountering a piece as rare and precious as those illustrated in reference books remains a particularly moving moment for me. There is something quite wonderful about seeing something you thought was almost inaccessible emerge from the pages of a book.

The design of this Yomut chuval is remarkable for its simplicity and extraordinary balance. Against a background dominated by deep shades of madder red and brick red, a series of fine embroidered horizontal bands follow one another, each featuring a geometric pattern of great precision. Some are so delicate that they appear to be merely traced onto the surface of the fabric, while three wider bands display a particularly rich ornamental vocabulary.

The central band naturally draws the eye. It features a succession of diamond-shaped motifs with intricate outlines, each enclosing a small ivory cross. The two other main bands, arranged on either side, feature a different design, equally meticulous. The whole is punctuated by fine decorative lines that create a subtle alternation between solid areas and embroidered sections.

And then there’s the color! A magnificent range of reds, sometimes luminous, sometimes deep, almost brown in places. The motifs never disrupt this harmony. They blend naturally into it, allowing color to play an essential role in the composition. Perhaps this is where the true beauty of this piece lies: an apparent simplicity that, upon closer inspection, reveals an unsuspected richness.

The weaving is exceptionally fine, precise, and even. The embroidery also demonstrates remarkable skill. We are looking at one of those historic pieces in which technical virtuosity is entirely in the service of aesthetics.

Chuvals are large carrying bags used by nomadic peoples during their travels. As everyday objects, they belong to a vast family of utilitarian textiles in the creation of which weavers vied with one another in inventiveness and virtuosity. Some of these pieces have been passed down through generations and are now true collector’s items. This chuval is a magnificent example.

Turkmen Yomud chuval
Woven and embroidered, wool on wool
Plant-based dyes
Circa 1870
DIM: 113 × 80 cm
Superb condition

Choosing an antique rug or textile is often a matter of serendipity.
If one of our pieces catches your eye, or if you’d like more information or photos, I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

Laurent Consul
Beauty of Kilims
06 42 61 73 46