Soumak
283 cm x 72 cm
Nr. 12797

Geometric Soumak runner, beige with border

Place of origin

The Soumaks (also Sumak, Sumac, Soumac, Sumakh, Sumach or Soumakh) are among the most famous flat-woven oriental rugs.

The name Soumak is said to go back to the East Caucasian town of Shemacha, from which, according to legends, the most graceful dancers of the Caucasus came. According to another theory, the name is derived from the spice sumac, which was used to dye wool a reddish color, among other uses. In Persia, the winding technique of the Soumak kilims is called peech baff or kayegh. The oldest known Soumak kilims were woven in the 7th century BC.

Patterns

The abstract, geometric composition creates the simple elegance of this Soumak. The pattern flatters the design of the room and does not take the attention away from its furniture, decoration and architectural elements. It creates a pleasant atmosphere without dominating the style of the room.

The repeating elements in the center field of this Soumak rug have no specific center (so-called repeating pattern). The repeating pattern has a calming but not boring effect. Rugs with repeating patterns are also called patterned.

The embellished edging (border) forms a beautiful contrast to the center and creates a transition at the edge of the rug.

The background of this Soumak is beige. The border features curry, light red and black.

Material

Soumaks are hand-woven and are made of warp and weft threads only. So they do not have a thick pile that is raised. The weft threads that form the pile of this soumak are made from viscose. For the warp threads cotton was used. In the so-called winding technique, which is used to produce soumaks, the protruding weft ends are not woven in and often hang loose on the back. Therefore, Soumaks can only be used on one side.