Antique Senneh Kilim from North Persia, late nineteenth century
It is difficult to do proper justice to this world-class antique Senneh kilim. Senneh kilims are famed for their fine weave and superior draftsmanship, which is so clear in this example. It is graced with a sinuous curvilinear arabesque design rarely seen in kilim weavings since the classical era of the Ottomans Turks and Safavid Persians. Complex arabesques outline concentric medallions in ivory and terra cotta against a terracotta field. The delicate cornerpieces in a lighter terracotta shade barely stand out in the rich array of ornamental forms. A striped main border, rich in color contrasts in nicely accentuated by the slender vinescroll minor borders flanking it, providing a clear frame for the curvilinear fantasy of the field. This kilim is truly one of a kind.
