Mid-Century Turkish Bessarabian Runner

This gorgeous vintage rug, an antique Bessarabian Kilim made in Romania some time toward the end of the 20th century, is a wonderfully representative piece that speaks very articulately to the tradition in which it was made. Antique Bessarabian Kilims of Romania and Bulgaria tend to relate to the more naturalistic designs of Western European rugs and tapestries. While this striking example has the customary floral sprays and vines, they are treated much more abstractly than usual, relating more to the geometric style of Kilims from nearby Turkey.

This Bessarabian runner with all-over trellis floral and vine pattern woven in crimson, salmon, light indigo, gold, ivory, yellow, light green, cream and lavender dyed hand-spun wool. The border is sweet, with a smaller scale floral and vine pattern on a complementary light blue background.