19th Century Kilim
These 19th century kilim pieces are flatweave rugs and textiles offering bold tribal patterns and rich wool textures.
19th Century Kilim
When searching for a 19th century kilim, collectors encounter flatwoven floor coverings, storage bags, and textiles originating from Anatolia, the Caucasus, Persia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. These items were woven by nomadic and village tribes for utilitarian purposes, including floor placement, bedding transport, and food storage.
The pieces on this page span several decades of the nineteenth century, extending into the early twentieth century. Buyers will frequently meet Bessarabian kilims, Turkish examples from Malatya and Reyhanli, and Caucasian tribal pieces such as Shirvan and Sumak flatweaves.
Beyond standard rugs, the selection includes specialised forms like sofreh dining kilims, complete mafrash storage bags, and saddle bag sets. These diverse formats reflect the rich domestic and nomadic traditions of the weaving communities.
Materials and construction
The foundation of these textiles relies principally on wool, frequently hand-spun, combined with structural cotton elements in specific regional pieces. Artisans utilised slit-tapestry weaving techniques to build geometric and floral designs without introducing a pile.
Secondary materials appear in specific forms, such as the pine and painted elements found on English window seats adapted with textile panels, or metal threads integrated into select brocaded flatweaves. Dyes derived from natural sources provide the deep colour palettes observed across the Anatolian and Caucasian specimens.
19th Century Kilim Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 19th century kilim among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
The inventory records wool and hand-spun wool as the primary materials, alongside cotton, pine, metal, and painted wood.
Evaluating quality and execution
Quality in these flatweaves rests upon the tightness of the weave and the precision of the geometric or floral motifs. Finer weaves demonstrate greater control by the weaver, resulting in crisp pattern boundaries and structural durability.
The vibrancy and retention of natural dye colours significantly influence the visual impact of a piece. Examples featuring balanced palettes and complete, undisturbed borders represent the upper tier of the available range.
The 19th Century Kilim Glossary
- Kilim
- A flatwoven textile or rug produced without a pile, traditionally utilised across the Middle East and Eastern Europe for floor covering and domestic furnishings.
- Mafrash
- A large rectangular storage bag constructed from flatweave or sumak techniques, used by nomads for bedding and household goods during migration.
- Sofreh
- A flatwoven textile traditionally spread on the ground for sharing meals or preparing bread within tribal communities.
- Sumak
- A brocaded flatweaving technique where decorative coloured weft threads wrap around the warp yarns, creating a textured surface resembling embroidery.
- Bessarabian
- Pertaining to textiles originating from the historical region between the Prut and Dniester rivers, often characterised by distinct floral compositions.
19th Century Kilim: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kilim?
A kilim is a flatwoven textile made without a pile by tightly interlacing warp and weft threads together.
These pieces served functional roles in nomadic and village households as floor coverings, blankets, and storage containers.
How were storage bags used?
Storage bags like mafrash and saddle bags carried household goods, clothing, and provisions during tribal migrations.
Families also utilised them inside tents or permanent dwellings to store bedding and utensils when stationary.
Where did these textiles originate?
The pieces originate from traditional weaving regions including Anatolia, the Caucasus, Persia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Each region developed distinct weaving structures, wool qualities, and design repertoires handed down through generations.
How do I live with a flatweave?
Flatweaves function well as decorative floor coverings, wall hangings, or upholstery accents on domestic furniture.
Using a suitable underlay helps protect the wool structure and prevents slipping on hard surfaces.
How are regional types told apart?
Regional attributions rely on specific structural traits, weaving techniques, and characteristic colour palettes.
Caucasian pieces often display sharp geometric motifs, whereas Bessarabian examples favour naturalistic floral designs.