19th Century Antique Sileh Soumak

About the Item

Sileh – Karabagh, South Caucasus This splendid Sileh is of outstanding artistry and was woven with the best quality of the Soumaks. It is filled with tribal and animal motifs around four alternating columns in the shape of an S in reverse, in ivory and indigo colours. The highly graphic design produces the visual effect of solid contrast. The primary colour is earth red, and its surrounding elements have a rich spectrum of shades, including ivory, lemon-yellow, sand, orange, walnut, pistachio-green, light-green, jade-green, sky-blue, cobalt-blue, indigo, brown-red, rose-red, purple, and purple-red. The carpet is clean and ready for use. Sileh or Zileh is a pileless carpet that falls into the Kilim category. It was produced in the Karabagh region of the Southwest Caucasus in Armenia. In European literature and by Western collectors, it is known as Sileh (Zileh or Zili), as opposed to Verneh (Verni), as it is called in the Caucasus. Sileh rugs have a wool warp and weft. In addition to the warp and weft, the Sileh technique employs additional wefts, which are coloured wool that form the Sileh design. Like Soumak weavings, Sileh rugs are only used on one side because of the loose wool threads on the back of the Sileh. The Sileh’s design is geometric and features large panels with prominent S- or Ƨ-shaped designs in each compartment and throughout the mat. These two geometric shapes represent the style known as dragon. Each S or Ƨ contains numerous small S-shaped geometric figures. Around each larger S or Ƨ, other cultural motifs are made. The oldest Silehs are narrow, so to have a larger piece, it was necessary to make two narrower pieces separately and then join them together. Generally, Silehs are made with two alternating colours for S or Ƨ designs: ivory with red, ivory with navy blue, ivory with reddish brown, or navy blue with red. The bottom of the carpet is generally reddish brown. Additionally, different shades of blue, brown, gold and green are used in the design of the other elements.

Dimensions:

Width: 85.04 in (216 cm)Length: 118.12 in (300 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Wool,Hand-Knotted

Place of Origin:

Caucasus

Period:

Late 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Circa 1875

Condition:

Replacements made: Selvedges. Wear consistent with age and use.