At one time this beautiful and rare tapestry would have been included in the generic term ''Bessarabian'' kilim denoting a weaving produced anywhere in the Central or South-East Europe. Today, I believe we can attribute it with confidence to the Kyiv region of Central Ukraine. Dating to the second half of the 19th century, it has the technical characteristics of that region including hemp warps, fine soft wool, interlocking wefts which create a solid fabric, exquisite natural dyes, and the ubiquitous use of curved or ''eccentric'' wefts. The design is a masterful example of Ukrainian folk art. Rows of offset shrubs mingle with hook beaked exotic birds and other floral ornaments. This composition is framed by a meandering vine within the light blue field and then a separate narrow outer border. The colours are quite wonderful, enhanced by the brilliant use of abrash in the light blues, greens, pinks and yellows that give a sense of depth and texture. Delightful. Note also a beautiful de...