The town of Reyhanl (Reyhanli) in Turkey flourished as a centre of kilim production in the late 19th century and was regarded as the best maker of kilims in Anatolia. However, kilim production ceased from the beginning of the 20th century and these kilims are now rare and valuable. The wool is tightly spun, shiny and smooth and the weave quality is very fine. The fine weave allows for dense and clear designs. The colours - red, pink, brown, light blue and green - are very distinctive and easily identifiable.

 

Reyhanli Kilim, 19th century.

Wool x wool

Size: 141 in x 59 in (357 cm x 150 cm)

 

This Reyhanli Kilim is skillfully woven with motifs representing dragons, love and marriage, fertility, flowers and trees. The main motif represents a dowry box containing the necessities of a young woman's marriage, and is a strong depiction of Anatolian traditions, customs and daily life. The repetition of this motif in the weaving of the kilim leaves the imagination open not only to the design of this kilim, but also to the weaver's thoughts, hopes and dreams for the future of marriage and family.

 

A large kilim with a striking design, this work of art is ready to use as a floor carpet, or would look spectaculay hung on display on a wall. It brings an wonderful range of colors and begs to be admired in a modern or traditional room.

 

In very good condition with several small professionally done repairs in keeping with the original colors.

 

A kilim similar to this main motif, also from the 19th century, can be seen in the Ankara Foundation Works Museum in Ankara, Turkey.