From the heart of China along the Silk Roads towards the Mediterranean and the edges of the Atlantic, these territories have seen much exchange of knowledge, craftsmanship, and textile innovation
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Celts. Broken Diamond or Lozenge Twill. Before the Romans introduced the vertical two-bar loom, with the warp anchored at both ends, this was the only way to weave a concentric diamond pattern on a warp-weighted loom. Used by permission @Sally Mc Lean. Accessed via https://celtic-weaving.com/2015/08/30/diamonds-and-broken-diamonds/
Roman Empire. The diamond twill. Woven on two-bar looms. Wool and Cotton. Used by permission @Sally Mc Lean. Accessed via https://celtic-weaving.com/2015/08/30/diamonds-and-broken-diamonds/
Romania. Scoarță from Maramureș region. Dimensions unknown. Wool. Latter 19th Century. Part of the Collection of the National Peasant’s Museum in Bucharest. Inv.099. Foto Viorel Simionescu, Cori Simona Ion. Used by permission of MTR Bucharest.
Serbia. Certified original Pirot kilim, handmade, with protected geographical origin. Dimension 1.4 x 1.92 m. Wool sourced from the Pirot Pramenka sheep breed. 6 warp threads per cm and 28 weft passes per cm. Used with permission @Kilim Arts & Crafts, Serbia. Accessed via https://kilim.rs/en/product/heir-to-the-throne-2021/
Macedonia. 1920s Vintage Macedonian Kilim in Red, Black and Pink Geometric patterns. Dimension 10x12 . Handwoven wool. Ca 1920-1930. Used with permission @Rug&Kilim. Accessed via https://rugandkilim.com/product/kilim-flat-weave/1920s-vintage-macedonian-kilim-in-red-black-and-pink-tribal-geometric-patterns/?srsltid=AfmBOorr73_XADTtKlH9m8CayvJzWweVPF-sdA-DxeydTi56hA9htFQB
Bulgaria. Chiprovtsi flat weave carpet. Bakam Pattern. Chiprovtski weaving is classified as UNESCO intangible heritage. Dimensions unknown. Wool. Used with permission @Elisa Rugs. Accessed via https://elisarugs.com/rug-making-history
Bulgaria. Sliven. Apron in cotton and Silk. Dimensions 97 x 54 cm. Plain and twill weave with embroidery. The ground is made from red tabby woven cotton cloth, which is almost completely covered with a cream-coloured diamond twill pattern. This is embroidered using stranded single cotton. The centres of diamonds left free of cotton decoration are embroidered with yellow, blue and white silk thread. Near the hem is a line of large floral motifs, worked mainly in cream, but also in green, blue and pink cotton threads. The hem has a red plied fringe and blue applied crochet (?) trim. The ties are missing. Used by permission @the Trustees of the British Museum, London. Accessed via https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_Eu1971-01-74?selectedImageId=184073001
Spain. Vintage Spanish Cuenca Rug (Size Adjusted). Dimension 215 × 342 cm. Wool. Used with permission @Doris Leslie Blau. Accessed via https://www.dorisleslieblau.com/vintage-spanish-cuenca-rug-11x7-bb7785/?srsltid=AfmBOookZDW2UzvDLuWEJjd5kVhqYzyB-LQOpKV8Y0HYoIUyohN1dn1o