Antique Aksaray Kilim

A wonderful vibrant central Anatolian Aksaray Kilim with stunning natural dyes, dating from 1870-1880 and in excellent original condition.  We can still see some of the original fringe attached, although it is missing some in places.  The weave is tight and very minimal wear.

The Aksaray area has produced many fine kilims, they are slit woven, very fine and using tightly spun shiny wool.  Their colours are usually darker than Konya Kilims and more colourful.  Generally wide rectangular kilims, this would have been one half of a larger Kilim, as they were woven in two panels then joined together.  Often separated, either due to damage or narrowed deliberately to be used as a floor runner or for decoration on the wall or draped over furniture.

The main field design is known as the Elibelinde motif (which means Turkish for "hands on hips") this pattern is of a hands-on-hips female figure. It is widely used on Anatolian Kilims and is quite varied in design.   The arms of the figure are represented by two inward-facing hooks, while the body of the woman is represented by a triangle or diamond. The head is typically represented by a diamond. The Elibelinde is a symbol of fertility and motherhood.

We can help you in the following ways, please either book in a showroom visit to see this kilim up close, request a home visit to trial this beautiful Aksaray Kilim in-situ.  Or purchase it online via our secure checkout and it can be shipped worldwide.

Located in an ancient region dating to the Neolithic Age (8000-5500 BC) and human settlements were excavated, Aksaray province produces kilims with very varied designs likened by some experts to those woven in close by Konya.  Whilst close to Konya, it does have some bearing on the designs and colours, they do vary in their tightness of weave and richer dye palette.  The town of Aksaray stands on the site of Cappadocia Garsaura, an ancient settlement which was part of the famous caravan route for travellers and buyers of antiques.

Farnham Antique Carpets are specialists in antique decorative carpets, rugs and runners. Varying from antique tribal rugs woven in the Caucasus to classical Persian carpets dating from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century.

As members of the BADA - The British Antique Dealers Association and LAPADA - The Association of Art & Antique Dealers we adhere to strict guide lines as affiliated members and pride ourselves on maintaining its high standards. We exhibit at the BADA fair in Chelsea, London every March and the LAPADA Fair in Mayfair, London every September.