Fine Antique Bessarabian Kilim Rug
The kilims known as ‘Bessarabian’ were woven in the Russian regions of Ukraine and Moldavia. Intended to satisfy the demands of the local aristocracy, who had developed a taste for carpets with a Western flavour, these flatweaves often feature a subdued palette, suited for the elegant neoclassical interiors they adorned. Kilims such as this one represent today one of the most refined and sought after types within the decorative carpet market at an international level.
The kilims known as ‘Bessarabian’ were woven in the Russian regions of Ukraine and Moldavia. Intended to satisfy the demands of the Russian aristocracy at a time where continental interiors were particularly in vogue, these flat-weaves were commissioned to urban workshops, which often had the organization necessary to be able to produce carpets of such sophisticated design and fineness of execution. Indeed by the beginning of the 19th century a few carpet workshops were already set up around St. Petersburg. Yet at the same time the magic of Bessarabian kilims lies in their magical balance between Folk Art and courtly refinement. Bessarabian flatweaves are distinguished from western urban weavings in that the designs have a much less formal character. Here, the floral bouquets which embellish the charcoal background are distinguished by a folk character which is a reflection of the local vernacular. This elegant balance between the noble and the poor, between grace and force, makes these unique flatweaves among the most sought after decorative carpets.