Antique Persian Senneh Kilim – Allover Boteh Design – Kurdistan, Northwest Persia – c. 1900

Fine antique Persian Senneh kilim, attributed to the Kurdistan region of Northwest Persia (modern-day Iran), dating to approximately the late 19th to early 20th century, circa 1890–1915.

This finely woven flatweave features a particularly attractive allover boteh design, with the narrow central field densely filled with rows of small, highly stylized bent-tip boteh or paisley motifs. Broad ivory side panels are decorated with colorful geometric rosettes, crosses and abstract devices, while bold reciprocal geometric outer borders in deep brown and ivory provide a strong graphic frame.

The restrained old palette is especially appealing, combining warm camel and ivory tones, chocolate brown, faded madder/salmon red and scattered indigo-blue accents. Subtle variations in color and drawing throughout reflect the individual character of hand weaving.

Senneh kilims are particularly admired for their fine, tightly executed tapestry construction and unusually intricate designs, and this example displays the dense patterning and precise geometric drawing associated with the tradition.

The reverse remains highly decorative and clearly displays the woven design, making the piece especially attractive as a collected textile or wall hanging.

The kilim shows considerable age and use, including overall wear and fading, irregularities to the edges and ends, and areas of old restoration/reweaving, all visible in the photographs. These have been left as found and contribute to its authentic timeworn character.

A distinctive antique Persian tribal/village textile with an unusually dense boteh field and beautifully mellowed coloration—well suited for a collection of Persian flatweaves, wall display, or decorative use.

Origin: Kurdistan, Northwest Persia/Iran

Attribution: Senneh (Sanandaj)

Date: Circa 1890–1915

Technique: Handwoven wool flatweave/kilim

Design: Allover stylized boteh with geometric and floral borders

Condition: Antique condition with wear, fading and old repairs/restoration as shown