The Oriental Collection - Catalog - Page 67
REZAS KELIM RUGS
Afghan Kelim
Kelim is the name of a common Persian weave, but also of the technology used in
the production, which can be traced back to at least the fourth or fifth century BCE.
They are primarily produced by nomads and are pile-less rugs or flatweaves that look
the same from top and bottom. Kelims are also used for bags, as wall decorations, or
as curtains for tents. A kelim expert can determine the country and tribe of origin of a
kelim based on the colours and motifs.
Afghan Kelim rugs are hand-knotted by Turkmens in northern Afghanistan with a
typical knot density of 150,000 to 250,000 knots per sqm. The designs on kelim
rugs are created by carefully weaving the different shades and colours, making a
flatweave. A natural colour scale with geometrical symbols and octagons is used,
creating the characteristic expression that is unmistakeably Afghan Kelim.
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