Black and orange bands follow one another in regular rhythm on this Cicim kilim, woven some 60 years ago, each separated by a fine sawtooth trim that marks the cadence like a line of musical notation. Across each band, a six-branched motif with tapering arms appears in embroidery, yellow, pink, blue or orange depending on the thread of the moment, a technique added stitch by stitch onto the weave, slower and more precious than simple weaving.
These motifs, never identical from one band to the next, speak of a hand that embroidered according to her reserves of dyed wool, never seeking perfect repetition. Across its 115 x 73 cm (3'9" × 2'5"), this kilim has the elegant sobriety of pieces that know they need nothing more.
