rug;
kilim
- Museum number
- Eu2006,0309.5
- Description
-
A woollen runner, a rug. Made from woollen yarns, worked in weft faced tapestry, kilim technique (plied cream wool warp). A predominantly red centre field with four stylized geometric motifs in black, white, and light brown. Framed by a broad cream border containing polychrome geometric motifs. Long fringing with two rows of macramé.
- Production date
- 1960s-1970s
- Dimensions
-
Length: 178 centimetres (with fringe)
-
Length: 141.50 centimetres
-
Width: 49 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- Made on a vertical loom, the red dye is aniline. (Information from donor, 30.3.06).
This rug follows the tradition of carpets made in Pirot, though the motifs have been stylised; for an early account of Pirot carpets, see M. Zivkovic (Zhivkovich), 'Album of Pirot Carpets (Album Pirotski Chilimova), Teshen, Austria (nd), with introductory text and 14 colour lithographs illustrating the various motifs. The copy held by the Centre for Anthropology at the British Museum belonged to the anthropologist, Mary Edith Durham, and bears her annotation: 'Bought in Belgrade 1902. I was told it was published by order of Queen Draga who was murdered in June 1903'. The publication is likely to date from 1902, when a Pirot carpet co-operative was founded under the protection of Queen Draga, in order to preserve the old designs and natural colours (Information from 'Artistic Handicrafts of Serbia', in Belgrade Business Base, September 2003; www.sme.sr.gov.yu).
For further information see Milena Vitkovic-Zikic, 'Les Kilims de Pirot', Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Belgrade 2001, no. 39, an earlier more elaborate example of the first half of the 20th century but with similar motifs.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 2006
- Acquisition notes
- Obtained from the tourist office of the former Yugoslav Republic in the 1960s and given to donor.
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- Eu2006,0309.5
- Additional IDs
-
Miscellaneous number: Ward 154
