Known for their wealth of rich colors and unique weaving tradition, antique and vintage kilim rugs are one of the most distinguishable types of rugs. The term “kilim” is Turkish in origin, but many variations of this type of textile share a common heritage and are practiced all across the Balkans, throughout the Arab world and elsewhere. There are Persian kilim rugs, kilim rugs from Central Asia and more.
It is difficult to definitively pin down the origins of kilim weaving, which is known as a “flatweave” or “slit-weave,” but historians believe that skilled artisans may have practiced versions of it as early as the eighth and ninth centuries A.D. in the Anatolia region of Turkey. Many of the Turkish iterations of these flat-woven rugs are recognizable for their arrangements of dazzling, flowing forms, but a range of motifs can appear in kilim rugs — abstract figures that reference rams’ horns, snakes or running water or motifs that are intended to symbolize concepts such as the tree of life or fertility. In Anatolia, women have used kilims to share narratives about their lives.
The difference between a kilim rug and most other kinds of carpets or pile rugs is in the aforementioned weave. They are made by interweaving variously colored, individual strands of wool (pure soft cotton, silk and goat’s hair are also used with the wool, albeit rarely) versus, say, the Tabriz rugs of Iran, which are hand-knotted rugs. This results in a smooth, frequently reversible surface. It’s a slit-weave because of the gap left between two blocks of color. Kilims are created on a loom, a typically uncomplicated structure mostly made of wood. Owing to the creative freedom that a slit-weave can afford its weaver, they tend to feature a range of bright, contrasting hues like reds, oranges and pinks that appear in bold combinations with deep blues and greens that are brought to life with natural dyes.
Handwoven kilim rugs are less expensive to produce and more durable than other rugs. They were traditionally used as floor coverings in mosques and yurts, as prayer rugs and saddle coverings. And these textiles are pileless: Whereas the Beni Ourain rugs of Morocco can be described as dense with a thick surface or pile, an authentic kilim rug is thin and flat. Because the resulting weave is lightweight, kilim rugs are well adapted for use in the hot summer months, and they are happily embraced by tribal weavers of Morocco, a part of the world that is home to many styles of rugs.
With their striking geometric patterns and provocative color pairings, kilim rugs and wall tapestries are loved by design enthusiasts and can bring charm and interest into any dining room, living room or other interior space.
Find kilim rugs and textiles and other vintage rugs on 1stDibs.
Bobyrug’s pretty vintage Egyptian tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pretty vintage Egyptian woven tapestry, in style of Wissa Wassef school tapestries with beautiful childish design and nice colours, entirely hand woven with wool on cotton foundation.
Wool, Cotton
Antique Uzbekistan Tashkent All Over Silk Suzani Embroidered Rare Wall Hanging
Located in Tokyo, JP
This wall hanging is all over hand-embroidered Suzani design, silk & cotton ground and the embroidery thread is 100% silk. Suzani, which means "embroidery" in Uzbek, began aro...
Silk, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
$319Sale Price|40% Off
3.7x5.8 Ft New Flat-weave Kilim Rug made of goat's wool, Plain Cream Bed Cover
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Decorative flat-weave Kurdish rug made of goat's wool, New production. Very Soft, floppy weave, ideal to use on the floor with a rug-pad or as a table cover, bed cover, wall hanging,...
Wool, Goat Hair
Christmas Stockings Made from Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments.
Wool
Christmas Stockings Made from Vintage Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments.
Wool
Christmas Stockings Made from Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments.
Wool
$13,500Sale Price|40% Off
Superb Antique East Anatolian Kilim Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique East Anatolian Kilim rug. A fantastic antique Kilim rug of large size from Northeast Turkey. Such large kilims were ordered for wealthy local patrons from villages where skil...
Wool
Printed fabric with batik technique by Vava Quazar, 1973
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Figure of a woman with landscape. Painted fabric with batik technique. Wooden frame. Colors have been slightly affected by time and light exposure. Visible patch of moisture. Also a...
Fabric, Softwood
Nice Vintage Turkish Embroidered Panel
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful colourful Turkish panel, with geometrical tribal design and nice colors, entirely hand woven and embroidered with wool on wool foundation
Wool
Beautiful Vintage Tribal Turkish Kilim
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice vintage Kilim with beautiful geometrical design and nice colors, entirely hand woven with wool on cotton foundation.
Wool
Beautiful Vintage Tribal Turkish Kilim
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice vintage Kilim with beautiful geometrical design and nice colors, entirely hand woven with wool on cotton foundation.
Wool
Nice Vintage Jajim Kilim Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice vintage Kilim rug with a geometrical design and pretty colors, entirely hand woven with wool on wool foundation composed of bands of Kilims of Jajim, quite thick and consistent.
Wool
Double Sided Christmas Stockings Made from Vintage Turkish Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Uzbek Velvet Fragments. Please note these were made from vintage Turkish Kilim fragments.
Wool, Hemp
Double Sided Christmas Stockings Made from Vintage Perde Cover Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Perde Cover Fragments. Please note these were made from vintage Perde fragments.
Wool, Silk
Double Sided Christmas Stockings Made from Vintage Perde Cover Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Perde Cover Fragments. Please note these were made from vintage Perde fragments
Wool, Silk
Double Sided Christmas Stockings Made from Vintage Perde Cover Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Perde Cover Fragments. Please note these were made from vintage Perde fragments.
Wool, Silk
Christmas Stockings Made from Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments.
Cotton
Christmas Stockings Made from Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments.
Wool
Christmas Stockings Made from Contemporary Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from Contemporary. Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Linen in the back. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments.
Hemp
Double Sided Christmas Stockings Made from Vintage Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments
Wool
Double Side Christmas Stockings Made from Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments.
Wool
Christmas Stockings Made from Anatolian Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from Contemporary, Anatolian Kilim Fragments. Please note, this stocking was made from kilim fragments
Hemp
Midcentury Vintage Striped Kilim Beige Brown Bag Rug by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Handwoven in a wool flat-weave originating from Turkey circa 1950-1960, this vintage Kilim rug vintage Kilim rug was originally part of a woven bag-an item both available as a Kilim ...
Wool
Painted fabric with batik technique by Vava Quazar, 1974
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Figure of a naked woman with landscape. Printed fabric with batik technique. Wooden & aluminum frame. Colors have been slightly affected by time and light exposure. Visible patch ...
Aluminum
Fine Antique Azeri Shadda Rug
Located in Milan, IT
A finely woven wool flat-weave from the Azeri tribe in the southern Caucasus, distinguished by a tartan-like composition of polychrome vertical bands alternated to lozenges. This typ...
Wool
Indian Flat Durhie Kilim Gabbeh Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful late 20th century Indian durhie Kilim with a geometrical tribal design and nice colors, entirely hand woven with cotton on cotton foundation.
Cotton
Nice Vintage Azerbaïdjan Soumak Kilim Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful vintage Azerbaïdjan Kilim Soumak, with nice tribal and geometrical design with stylized animals, and beautiful colors, entirely and finely hand woven and embroidered with w...
Wool
Afghan Kilim Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, Vintage Style, 1960s, 270x150 CM
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Very fine original Afghan kilim, before Russian occupation - from my private collection - It's perfect and rare ! nr. 778
Wool
1947 Turkish Kilim Rug, Wool Flatweave, Earth Tones
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
My carpets are not affected by fashions. After a year the new modern carpets are no longer worth the price paid because the trend has changed, it has already gone further: that desi...
Wool
Vintage Handmade Turkish Rug Christmas Stocking
Located in Houston, TX
Handmade Vintage from the 1960s Materials: wool, cotton Sustainable, upcycled Turkish rug Christmas stocking made from hand-woven rug fragments. Width: 13 inches Height: 17 inches ...
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Handmade Turkish Rug Christmas Stocking
Located in Houston, TX
Handmade Vintage from the 1960s Materials: wool, cotton Sustainable, upcycled Turkish rug Christmas stocking made from hand-woven rug fragments. Width: 13 inches Height: 17 inches ...
Wool, Cotton
Late 19th Century Central Asian Suzani from Tashkent Uzbekistan
Located in Istanbul, TR
Suzani has well saturated colors and a very finely done embroidery. ‘Suzani’ meaning ‘needle’ so ‘needle work ‘ in Persian, refgers to a group of embroideries mainly done in Centr...
Cotton, Silk
Vintage Tapestry With Birds 7X5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Wool, Cotton
Echoes of the Nile: A Vintage Egyptian Tapestry of Pastoral Grace
By Ramses Wissa Wassef Workshop
Located in Dallas, TX
79103 Vintage Egyptian Kilim Tapestry Rug, 02'02 x 03'04. This exquisite handwoven wool Egyptian pictorial tapestry rug is a striking representation of traditional life and pastoral scenes that resonate with cultural depth and artistic expression. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the flatweave rug showcases a variety of animals commonly found in the rural landscapes of Egypt. Depicted are camels and goats, each rendered in natural, earthy tones that speak to the organic dyes derived from the region's abundant natural resources. The inclusion of a human figure, possibly a shepherd, anchors the composition in human experience, bridging the gap between nature and civilization. The background of the tapestry is a rich, textured gray (greenish undertones), representing the fertile grounds of the Nile Valley, which has historically been the lifeblood of Egyptian agriculture and rural life. This backdrop serves as a vivid canvas that highlights the vibrant hues of the animals, lending a sense of vitality and movement to the scene. Each animal is colored distinctively, allowing their individual forms to stand out, while also harmonizing with the overall palette to create a cohesive visual narrative. This vintage Egyptian tapestry...
Wool
Rare Harrania Masterpiece Vintage Egyptian Tapestry Ramses Wissa Wassef Style
By Ramses Wissa Wassef Workshop
Located in Dallas, TX
79264 Rare Vintage Egyptian Birds in Tulip Field Tapestry Rug, 05'06 x 05'08. A cherished archival vintage masterpiece, this rare handwoven wool Egyptian...
Wool
1960's Egyptian Tapestry from Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center in Harrania
By Ramses Wissa Wassef Workshop
Located in Dallas, TX
79221 Vintage Egyptian Kilim Tapestry Rug, 06'00 x 07'08. A magnificent canvas of expression, this handwoven vintage Egyptian tapestry is a testament to enduring artisanship and boun...
Wool
Fully Embroidered Suzani Pillowcase, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 1930s
Located in Istanbul, TR
Suzani is a traditional embroidery technique that involves intricate needlework, typically with colored silk threads, to create beautiful, elaborate patterns. This one is made from ...
Silk
Densely Embroidered Uzbek Tashkent Suzani Pillowcase, 1930s
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert but a bag made to the size to accommodate insert materials. Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry Cleaning is reccommended.
Silk
19th Century Uzbek Bukhara Suzani Textile, Embroidered Wall Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
78197 Rare 19th Century Antique Uzbek Bukhara Suzani Tapestry, 03'07 x 05'00. Behold the Mid-19th Century Antique Uzbek Bukhara Suzani Tapestry, a rare and resplendent treasure that ...
Cotton, Silk
$551
H 47.25 in W 25.6 in D 0.79 in
Vintage Tapestry by Liselotte Hofmeister, Tapestry Mid Century, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Now free shipping worldwide! Discover the tapestry "Buds" by artist Liselotte Hofmeister. This wool-knotted carpet is a masterpiece of German craftsmanship from the mid-century era. ...
Wool
$9,500
H 72 in W 38 in D 0.2 in
Egyptian "Tree of Life" Tapestry, Influenced by the Ramses Wissa Wassef Workshop
By Ramses Wissa Wassef Workshop
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This remarkable weaving, using yarns in shades of pale purple, burnt umber, ruddy brown and deep blue, is a masterpiece of post-war Egyptian artisanry. It depicts a crowd of birds in and around a stylized tree and was influenced by the work of the famed Ramses Wissa Wassef...
Wool
Sold
H 11.82 in W 20.87 in D 0.12 in
Double Sided Christmas Stockings Made from Vintage Turkish Kilim Fragments
Located in Istanbul, TR
These Christmas Stockings were made from mid 20th C. Uzbek Velvet Fragments. Please note these were made from vintage Turkish Kilim fragments.
Goat Hair, Cotton
Sold
W 53.15 in L 60.63 in
4.5x5 ft Vintage Checkered Kilim in Red & Blue, Decorative Handmade Home Textile
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Vintage handmade Anatolian kilim/flat-weave with a checkered design in dark blue and red colored wool. This beautiful and simple flat-weave is light, sturdy and clean, it can be us...
Wool
West Anatolian "Jijim" Rug 'DK-104-92'
Located in New York, NY
A lovely old tribal flat-weave from Western Turkey, woven in the intricate “jijim” brocading technique. Subtle color palette, soft handle - could be draped over a table or a sofa. Or...
Wool
Vintage Turkish Kilim
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Vintage Turkish Kilim with decorative design and light colors, entirely hand woven with wool on cotton foundation.
Wool
Vintage Turkish Kilim
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful Kilim from turkey with geometrical design and light colors, entirely hand woven with wool on wool foundation.
Wool
Sold
W 70.08 in L 24.41 in
1965 Two Berber Kilim Handwoven Rugs Wool Orange Green White Black, Morocco
Located in Arosio, IT
These two Kilim handwoven carpets came to Italy in 1970, destined to a seashore home near Portofino. They are colorful and show a regular and precise weaving. One has a warm orange t...
Wool
Vintage Graphic Afshar Sofreh Rug
Located in Milan, IT
A rare and unusual sofreh flat-weave from the Afshar tribe in southeast Persia. Flat-weaves of this type were used on special occasions as presentation pieces for guests, onto whi...
Wool
Vintage Russian Bessarabian Flat-Weave Runner
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Russian flat-woven Bessarabian rug from the mid-20th century.
Wool
Old Kilim Panel "Mafrash" Shahsavan, suitable for table or wall hanging
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Old Kilim "mafrash" (haversack) Shahsavan nomads , forming part of my beautiful collection. Perfect as wall hanging, like a picture. nr. 203 -
Wool
"Grain Sack" Rug
Located in New York, NY
"Grain Sack" rug. A tribal storage bag or rug, opened up to be used as a small rug or a wall hanging. Rug is excellent for high traffic areas as these are woven for hard use. It woul...
Brocade, Cotton, Wool
Antique Central Anatolian Kilim Rug with "Tulips"
Located in New York, NY
Antique Central Anatolian Kilim rug with "tulips". A beautiful antique Kilim rug from Central Turkey featuring the ever-popular prayer arch, or...
Wool