Kurdish Senneh Kelim
294 x 199 cm

The Kurdish Senneh Kelim stands as one of the most refined flat weaves of Persia Kurdistan, a region where textile traditions developed with remarkable continuity. Senneh, known today as Sanandaj, has long been associated with fine weaving, and the kelims from this area are admired for their precision, clarity and quiet elegance. This Kurdish Senneh Kelim, approximately eighty years old, is a gorgeous work of Kurdish art, carrying the sensitivity and discipline that define the tradition. At The Rug Shop, we are pleased to offer such pieces for those who appreciate both beauty and cultural depth.

A defining feature of the Kurdish Senneh Kelim is its slit weaving technique. This method allows for sharp changes in colour and highly defined geometric forms. When hung with a light source behind it, the structure reveals a new dimension. Light passes through the fine joins in the weave, outlining motifs in a way that feels almost architectural. This quality makes the Kurdish Senneh Kelim especially suited for hanging as a room divider or on a wall, where it functions as both textile and luminous design.

The Kurdish weaving tradition values clarity of line and balance of composition. In a Kurdish Senneh Kelim, patterns are arranged with a sense of order that never feels rigid. Repeating diamonds, stepped forms and delicate border patterns create rhythm and structure. The eye moves easily across the surface, guided by proportion rather than decoration. This restraint gives the kelim a calm presence that works beautifully in contemporary interiors while remaining deeply traditional.

Colour in a Kurdish Senneh Kelim tends toward rich yet controlled tones. Soft reds, deep blues, warm ivories and gentle greens are common, often achieved through careful dye preparation. Even when dyes are mixed, the overall harmony remains strong. Over the decades, colours mellow and settle, creating a surface that feels unified and mature. The age of this piece, around eighty years, adds to its character. The wool has softened, the tones have balanced, and the structure remains firm.

Unlike pile rugs, the Kurdish Senneh Kelim is flat woven, which gives it versatility. It can be folded, moved and displayed in different ways without stress to the structure. This flexibility is one reason kelims were so valued in Kurdish households. They served as floor coverings, wraps, partitions and decorative hangings. The ability to use the textile in multiple contexts reflects a practical culture where beauty and function are inseparable.

Senneh weaving developed in a region that maintained a strong sense of identity even through periods of political change. Kurdish weavers preserved their techniques and aesthetic values, passing them through generations. The Kurdish Senneh Kelim is therefore not just an object but a link in an unbroken chain of making. The discipline required for slit weaving and fine flat weave structure shows a level of training and care that elevates the textile to the level of art.

The visual lightness of the Kurdish Senneh Kelim also contributes to its appeal. Without a thick pile, the design reads clearly and the colours interact directly with the surrounding space. When hung vertically, especially with light behind it, the kelim almost behaves like a stained glass window made of wool. This interaction between textile and light is unique to finely woven kelims and is one of the reasons they are increasingly used as architectural elements.

A Kurdish Senneh Kelim brings a sense of structure and calm to a space. Its patterns create order without heaviness. Its colours warm the environment without overwhelming it. Whether used as a wall hanging, a room divider or a floor covering, it contributes both visual interest and cultural resonance.

To live with a Kurdish Senneh Kelim is to live with a piece of Kurdish artistic heritage. It reflects a weaving culture that values skill, patience and balance. Approximately eighty years old, this example carries the marks of time in a way that enhances rather than diminishes its beauty. It is a textile with presence, history and a luminous quality that reveals itself especially when light passes through the weave.

Kurdish Senneh Kelim – The Rug Shop