Kilims are perhaps best described as the folk art of Turkey.
The symbols and motifs used in weaving kilims are common amongst most weavers,
but each tribal or regional group has their own way of interpreting those
symbols. While many kilims are woven today for the commercial market, the same
is not true of older kilim pieces. Until about 1975, the rug world was just not
interested in kilims. Times have certainly changed! Kilims have made their way
into the decor of the world, from palaces in the French countryside to the
mountains of Colorado.
Breadcloth kilims are a traditionally used for bread
preparation, due to their tight weave that keeps flour from penetrating the
material. Some are woven of wool,
others of hemp (called “kendir” in Turkish), and some are even so tough that
they are used as tarps for harvesting olives, etc.
While amenable to use on the floor, breadcloth kilims are also ideal for
use as window treatments, as a bed canopy, or even as wall art. Their popularity in the design world
continues to grow, and they have begun popping up in some of America’s premier
design periodicals in recent months.