early 20th century, 255 x 124 cm, South East Europe, Moldova region

Unlike other Bessarabian kilims whose lavish floral designs are largely curvilinear in drawing, the rigid geometrical style of the ornaments in this brown-ground kilim is striking, and brings to mind textiles from the Art Deco period. Short green twigs with serrated or diamond-shaped leaves and red flowers are spaciously arranged in the field. The same twigs make up the design of the border, which is open on both sides. At the centre of the field, four twigs form an oval medallion resembling a wreath. Due to their light colours, the nine birds in white and light blue perched on the branches in the field are set off to good effect against the dark ground. – Good condition.