Description
Manastir-Group Sofra Kilim
Ottoman Balkans, probably Macedonia or Bulgaria
Late 19th or early 20th century, circa 1880–1920
Wool wefts on wool warps
120 × 100 cm
A rare, nearly square Manastir-group sofra, traditionally spread on the floor for the serving of food. Its dark brown central field contains fourteen boldly abstracted motifs arranged in four alternating rows. Their hourglass bodies, projecting arms and triangular extremities suggest highly stylised human or female figures, sometimes associated with the Anatolian elibelinde design. Such an interpretation must remain tentative, however, since related devices can also function as floral or protective geometric ornaments.
The field is enclosed on either side by broad red bands and strongly articulated comb-like borders. Across the upper and lower ends, alternating stepped forms and rows of outlined triangles produce a rhythmic, architectonic frame. The restrained palette of dark brown, madder-like red, ivory, faded rose and warm yellow is closely related to other kilims assigned to the Manastir tradition.
The rug retains considerable visual strength despite age-related wear, particularly in the dark ground. Subtle colour variation and abrash enliven the otherwise austere composition.
