Vintage Kilim Hemp Rug With Chevron Design by Rug & Kilim, 1950-1959

Details

Description

Handwoven from recycled vintage hemp and originating from Turkey circa 1950-1959, this 10x14 oversized vintage kilim joins Rug & Kilim’s … Read more Handwoven from recycled vintage hemp and originating from Turkey circa 1950-1959, this 10x14 oversized vintage kilim joins Rug & Kilim’s Kilim & Flat Weave collection. It features a bold, high-contrast chevron pattern, alternating stark charcoal-black and luminous ivory zigzags across a monumental scale, creating a beautiful eco-friendly design using recycled hemp yarn sourced from mid-century textiles. The natural flatweave offers an organic, minimalist look made with hemp that has high tensile strength and durability.

On the Design:

This oversized flatweave stands as a triumph of both sustainable craftsmanship and striking modernist appeal. For centuries, Anatolian villagers cultivated hemp or *kenevir* for its exceptional tensile strength, spinning the rugged bast fibers into heavy-duty utilitarian textiles like grain sacks and floor mats. Honoring this zero-waste ethos, this piece is meticulously crafted from recycled yarn salvaged from time-worn, mid-century kilims. By carefully unraveling these weathered textiles and re-weaving the reclaimed fibers on a grand-scale loom, artisans have preserved the beautiful, time-softened patina of the original hemp. This process of reclamation not only breathes new life into the historic material but also yields a floor covering of unmatched durability and soulful, heavy-handled character.

Visually, the rug breaks away from the dense, traditional medallion layouts of village weaving, favoring instead a monumental and highly architectural geometric layout. A continuous, oversized chevron pattern dominates the scale, alternating between sharp bands of charcoal black and luminous, un-dyed ivory. In traditional Anatolian weaving, this dynamic zigzag form is often interpreted as the *su yolu* or running water motif, a vital symbol invoking eternal flow and life-giving continuity. Rendered here on a massive canvas, the ancient iconography takes on an almost optical, mid-century graphic presence. Furthermore, the inherent texture of the hand-spun, recycled yarn introduces subtle organic shifts within the crisp lines, softening the high-contrast geometry and grounding the rug with a palpable, living warmth perfectly tailored for grand, contemporary spaces. The accompanying book, The Antwerp Six by Bruloot, Geert; Cockx, Romy; Debo, Kaat., is part of Volumes by Rug & Kilim. The book (SKU - B385) can be acquired independently through our bookstore.

Condition:

This vintage Turkish kilim rug enjoys good condition for its age and origin. See less