Moldova has a history of kilim weaving which stretches back centuries. Formerly the principality of Bessarabia, the designs of Moldovan kilims are usually taken from the local folk-art tradition, but also reveal the influence of Anatolian kilim design and also of Western European decorative arts. The technique, however, is very much in the local tradition with slit wefts rarely appearing, and warp sharing or tapestry techniques the norm. The black floral kilims, like our example, first appear in the late 19th century and were very fashionable until the 1920s. The bold drawing and daring colour combinations give the design a three dimensional feeling. These pieces were usually woven to be hung on walls, as is the case with this piece. The central floral bouquet is spraying out a small vase which is framed by a neo-classical style cartouche. It is a striking piece which would work equally well on a wall or floor. As it appears to have been hung for most of its life, it has survived the g...